Clergy R186(l) question

[bobsyouruncle]

First, this forum has been invaluable for many of my questions, so thank you for that .

I am a UK citizen who may receive a position as pastor of a church in Canada in the near future.

I have just one major question to clarify if you can.

I understand that Clergy may get into Calgary to pastor without a work permit with R186(l).

My question is, do I apply for this while I'm still in the UK, or is it just a matter of booking flights and showing evidence of the job offer, etc, to immigration at the airport in Canada?

If it makes any difference, I have a wife and children who will be with me.

Thanks.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

Is there a number I can call to get an answer to this, either in UK or Canada?

Thanks.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

...

 

[amira_mais]

Normally, you should be fine - R186 covers cases such as yours. You can apply upon arrival at the airport.

As you mentioned, you'll need to provide some documentation: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/work/permit/clergy.asp

However, because your family is planning to make the move with you, you may want greater certainty before arriving at the airport. Two suggestions: (1) you can call the Canadian High Commission for confirmation that no further arrangements need to be completed beforehand, and (2) the church in Calgary can contact one of CIC's Temporary Foreign Worker Units (TFWU) at TFWU-Toronto-UTET @ cic.gc.ca (this office serves Ontario and the western provinces) to ensure that the job offer is indeed both LMIA exempt and work permit exempt. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/tfw-units.asp If the TFWU agrees that R186 applies and issues an opinion to this effect, get a copy to show the border officer when you arrive.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

Thanks. That's a very helpful answer.

P.S. I didn't realise I had posted twice. That was an accident. The site seemed to be playing up when I was on earlier.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

I've a couple of other questions following from this (hoping to get over mid-January )

1. Do I (or my family) need a medical for clergy work?

2. Can my wife apply for a work permit in order to work after we arrive in Canada?

Thanks.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

Anyone able to help?

 

[amira_mais]

1. Afraid I can't help with your medicals question.

2. If you had been coming in with a work permit, then yes, your wife could have applied for a spousal open work permit whose duration would have matched yours. But since you'll be working without a work permit, I don't know if a SOWP is permissible. What some people do is ask for a work permit at the border even if they don't need one, because a work permit makes it easier to obtain other things like a SOWP, provincial medical coverage, etc.

For both questions, it's best to call CIC or the Canadian embassy for clear guidance.

 

[scylla]

Yes - agreed. Your spouse does not qualify for a SOWP.

 

[estatus]

And what is the case for the children, do they get a study permit at the border, or you need to apply before arriving