Can I work while my PR application is under process?

[Rob_TO]

You need to apply when u are in Canada as she is only a PR.

Just to clarify, only she (sponsor) needs to be in Canada during processing. He can remain in Sweden if he wants during part of all of the process.

 

[JonasSwe]

Thank you all for answers. I hoped to be able to go as a tourist until I got the PR, but maybe that´s a bad idea? (As swedish citizen you can stay for 6 months without any visa.) Is it better to apply for a visitors visa already in Sweden?

I don´t really get how I should be able to stay there without quitting my job? I see what you mean, but is it that strict to enter the country?

Most of all, and maybe the last question; what´s the most convenient way to prove that I won´t need social assistance if I don´t yet have a job in Canada and not a lot of savings? (Except that my partner should get a job.) Is it enough to show degrees, previous job record and that I´m employable?

Thanks again.

 

[MilesAway]

As a visa-exempt citizen, you can't apply for a visitor's visa. You can go, and then extend your stay once you are in Canada.

You can quit your job, but it's best if you have some proof of ties to your home country, in case you get questioned at the border. Showing up with all your things and no job back home is a surefire way to get refused. Bring the basics, and have a return ticket (which you can cancel once you are in Canada).

Showing your previous job history, and education history should be more than enough. If you speak English (and clearly you do), and have held jobs in the past, then CIC should be fine with that.

I can only recall one or two instances where the application was refused for financial reasons. It was a rare case, in that the sponsor was self-employed, and making a tiny amount of money. The spouse did not speak any English or have much work experience.

 

[JonasSwe]

Many thanks MilesAway. I really appreciate the answers from you and everyone else here. Feels so much better now after visiting this forum and having these questions answered. Thanks a lot! So now it´s maybe just to fill in the application, hope for the best and look forward to a new exciting chapter in life.

 

[Rob_TO]

I don´t really get how I should be able to stay there without quitting my job? I see what you mean, but is it that strict to enter the country?

Honestly, no it is not that strict. 99 out of 100 people coming from a visa-exempt country, are basically given rubber-stamp 6 month visitor statuses. Most are not asked to show any ties to home country, nor even a return ticket. However if you are unlucky enough to be selected to go to secondary inspection (if they think you look nervous, suspicious, or are randomly selected), this is where they grill you more, and will ask all these tough question on how you intend to support yourself and to show proof of funds. It's fine to say your partner/her family will entirely support you, and CBSA may actually interview her to confirm that she is willing to do this.

So you need to prepare all this evidence just in case, but more often than not you don't actually end up using it. But best to be prepared and not need it, then the alternative. It's incredibly rare that a visa-exempt traveler is actually turned around and sent home, unless it's a very extreme situation.

Most of all, and maybe the last question; what´s the most convenient way to prove that I won´t need social assistance if I don´t yet have a job in Canada and not a lot of savings? (Except that my partner should get a job.) Is it enough to show degrees, previous job record and that I´m employable?

Um I wouldn't exactly be bragging to CBSA how employable you are. You are coming as a VISITOR, so it's expected you will NOT be working while a visitor here. If CBSA suspects you intend to look for work and then work illegally, you could be denied entry.

When you eventually do your PR application, that is when you and your sponsor can show a general plan for your future, including expected careers based on your education/experience.

 

[JonasSwe]

Thanks Rob for the clarification. Really appreciate it.