Can my spouse work in Canada if I study there?

[ashutoshmanohar]

Hi all,
I'm new here, and this is my first post. Any help is appreciated.

I completed my Diploma in 2012 from a post secondary institute in Vancouver, obtained and utilized my Post-Graduation work permit for almost 10 months. I couldn't find a Skilled Job, so returned to India.

I got married here, and want to study more in Canada.

1. Can my wife get a open work permit while I study?
(The CIC website says so, but I want to confirm this.)
2. Does this mean she can also get the Temporary Resident Visa?
(Or is it not required if she has a Open Work Permit?)

Again, any advice / help is appreciated.

Regards,
Ashutosh

 

[Regina]

1. Can my wife get a open work permit while I study?
(The CIC website says so, but I want to confirm this.)

- IF CIC said that then it is correct.

2. Does this mean she can also get the Temporary Resident Visa?
(Or is it not required if she has a Open Work Permit?)

You may :
- Both apply at the same time : you- for SP, she- for OPEN Work Permit.
- Or she may come with you on Visitor visa and then apply for OWP.
- Or you can apply for SP, get it , then she cn apply for a visitor visa, come to Canada and then apply for OWP.

 

[maximin]

You are probably aware that PGWP can be issued only once. So it might be reasonable to let your wife to study this time.

 

[ashutoshmanohar]

You are probably aware that PGWP can be issued only once. So it might be reasonable to let your wife to study this time.

Thank you guys. Yes, I'm aware that PGWP can be issued only once. The thing is my wife too had a PGWP from March 2012-March 2013.
So this time, one of us will study, and the other would apply for the Open Work Permit. By the time the one studying, finishes the program, the other would have (hopefully) gained full time work experience in a Skilled Category. So, the long term plan is, once me / my wife works for a year or two full time, I / She will apply for PR under whatever category we are eligible for.

Any advice / suggestion about taking this course of action?

Thanks,
Ashutosh

 

[maximin]

From my modest experience, I would recommend you to consider Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
The requirements for temporary workers (the working spouse in your case) are:

The offer of long-term, full-time employment must be from the same Manitoba employer for whom you have been working full-time for at least six months.
With your MPNP application you must submit: a copy of the job-offer letter, specifying salary/wage and details of the position, signed by your employer on company letterhead, as well as a copy of your valid work permit.
You must have all qualifications for the position including training/education and any licence or certification required in Manitoba.
You must have the English or French language proficiency to fulfill the job duties. *
Your connection to Manitoba must be stronger than ties you may have to another Canadian province.
You must demonstrate in a Settlement Plan your intention and plan to live, work and establish your work and family life in Manitoba as a permanent resident.

* If your job is classified as lower skilled you must submit with your application the results of an MPNP-approved language test and achieve at least CLB 4 in all test categories according to the MPNP/CIC test score-CLB tables. (See Language for more information.)

The main advantages, as you can see, are that lower skilled jobs are accepted and only 6 months experience is required. Also, they do not have quotas.
I recommend this program because my friend who is still studding in Red River College got nominated last year through his working wife.

It seems reasonable to study in Manitoba because you will always have a reliable back up plan if CEC will not work for you.

 

[ashutoshmanohar]

This sounds like a really good option. Thank you so much

 

[Regina]

Just pay attention for this request :

Your connection to Manitoba must be stronger than ties you may have to another Canadian province

Manitoba is very particular in that matter.

 

[ashutoshmanohar]

Hi Regina, I'm having doubts because of the same issue.
I have many friends and relatives in B.C, but hardly any Manitoba.

Plus, I've noticed that, unlike Vancouver, the animation industry isn't that big there.
Me and my wife being animators, would prefer Vancouver over any other place, just because we'd lived there for almost 2 years.

Thanks

 

[Regina]

Yea, that's always a problem with Manitoba that people rather have ties in some other place. ;D

Look at PNP in BC.