Canadian with Greencard residing in NYC wants to bring American wife to Canada

[canamera]

Hi there,

I have been scouring the boards with little success. I am Canadian and a green card holder residing in the US. I have just been offered a job in Canada and need to bring my wife as well. She is American, so I'm not exactly sure what the process is or how long it takes. Can she come with me wait for the process to go through under a "visitor visa", or is it the same sort of process we went through in the US, which took a long time and a lot of money. Thanks for any insight.

 

[NBaker]

The process appears to be moving toward the type that is in the US.

Application from the US is generally faster than from within Canada. The change that is likely coming is that permanent residence will not be granted until a two year temporary residence period is met after which PR may be obtained.

The process is not so costly when done by yourself, just takes patience as you are likely aware form your experience in the reverse.

 

[canamera]

Thanks so much. Do you know how long it would take for my wife to be eligible to work?

 

[NBaker]

If she is granted permanent residence outside Canada and landed on entry she is permitted to work immediately.

If the application is submitted from in Canada she can apply for a work permit once approved in principle. From within Canada that can take 6 months or so. Probably another reason where it is beneficial if time is available to start the process from outside Canada.

 

[canamera]

Thanks again. Unfortunately this looks like it will be a fast move because of the job. I'm surprised it will take at least 6 months. For me to get a social security number in the US after we were married only took 3.