Are PR and PGWP mutually exclusive?

[dryiceman]

Hi, hoping anyone in the forum can shed some light regarding my situation.

I'm currently in Canada with a Post Grad. Work Permit (PGWP) expiring on April 2020. I'm planning to get married early 2018 and having my spouse apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) under my PGWP which I anticipate will also expire by April 2020.

Due to some opportunity, I was able to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under the Express Entry - Federal Skilled Worker Class - Inland (EE FSW - Inland) last September 2017. Worst case, I would reach the 6-month max average processing time but still, would be before my PGWP expires on 2020.

I'm wondering, once I get my Permanent Residency, would my spouse still be able to apply for an Open Work Permit under my PGWP?

Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[zwang]

No. The two are mutually exclusive.

Recommendation is get married before you actually land and add your spouse to your PR application. That will delay your landing, but you and your spouse will be able to become PRs at the same time.