Can The Spouse of a Canadian Citizen recieve an Open Work Permit?

[gumfactor]

Hi there,

My wife and I are currently living in the US; about to move to Canada. I am a Canadian citizen; my wife is American. I'm skill level NOC A (University Professor).

My question is pretty simple: Can my wife qualify for an Open Work Permit on the basis of my NOC A skill level? I know that she would be able to qualify if I were myself on a work visa. But can she if I'm a citizen? (I sort of anticipate that she will, because why would Canada give greater flexibility to the spouses of temporary workers than to actual citizens? But I can't seem to find any documentation on the issue).

Thanks,
Matt

 

[gumfactor]

I should specify a little further:

The "plan", if possible, is to apply for the OWP at the Port of Entry. I'm not asking about the "inland" or "outland" processes. What I'm trying to do is avoid the 7-11 month wait for my spouse's OWP as we apply for PR for her. Again, my understanding is that my NOC A skill level makes this possible. But my question remains: is it possible for the spouse of a Canadian citizen? Or just if I am myself on a temporary work permit?

 

[PMM]

Hi

I should specify a little further:

The "plan", if possible, is to apply for the OWP at the Port of Entry. I'm not asking about the "inland" or "outland" processes. What I'm trying to do is avoid the 7-11 month wait for my spouse's OWP as we apply for PR for her. Again, my understanding is that my NOC A skill level makes this possible. But my question remains: is it possible for the spouse of a Canadian citizen? Or just if I am myself on a temporary work permit?

No she is not eligible for an Open work permit in most instances. There is one way that it is possible. See the OPs Bulletin. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2010/ob229.asp Note that it is only applicable to Ontario and

returning to work in Ontario either as a health professional or as an academic for post-secondary public institutions, as per the occupations listed in Appendix A*.

*the applicant must provide a letter from the Province of Ontario — Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Business Immigration Unit, 35th floor, 250 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2H1, phone: 416-325-6777, fax: 416-325-5563, bis@ontario.ca — confirming employment, location and occupation — on behalf of the returning Canadian/Permanent Resident.

 

[gumfactor]

Holy sweetness PMM - thanks so much!

As it happens, we are indeed headed for Ontario, and my position does fall under Appendix A.

Unfortunately, it appears to be a pilot program that ends in a mere 2 months, which is sooner than we had been planning on moving. But perhaps it'd be worth it to get all our Port of Entry paperwork in order, and sneak in there under the pilot period deadline.

PMM: I don't suppose you have any idea a) how long it would take to get a letter from that Toronto office, or b) whether there are any plans to continue the pilot project past the original pilot deadline (May 24, 2012)?

Thanks so much though - that's just fantastic information.
Matt

 

[gumfactor]

Unfortunately a more careful read through the requirements indicates that my Family-based application would have to first pass through CIC Mississauga. That, in combination with the May 24th deadline, likely means that I'm going to miss the pilot project. Sigh.

So I guess my last question was really the only relevant one: anyone have any sense of whether this program is going to be continued?