Common Law Sponsorship and Travel

[mae.bite]

Hi there,

I am looking into sponsoring my common law partner and I am wondering if we get approved and he receives permanent residence will he be able to travel? What are, if any, the limitations of travel with a permanent residence status? He wants to become a residence but still be able to see his family in Argentina.

Thanks!

 

[Rob_TO]

If he already holds an Argentina passport, then there is no problem to travel back and forth as often as you like. Coming back to Canada you just show PR card and passport and that's all that's needed.

If he has some other passport, then you'll need to follow the rules of that passport to gain entry into Argentina as there is no agreement with them in place with Canada for PR holders. Although it's often easier to get travel visas to places when you have a Canadian PR.

 

[mae.bite]

he has an argentinian passport

 

[mae.bite]

one more question. how long will it take to get an answer about whether or not we've been approved? from the time we send the papers.

Thanks!!!

 

[Rob_TO]

one more question. how long will it take to get an answer about whether or not we've been approved? from the time we send the papers.

Thanks!!!

Depends if you apply inland or outland. Either way you're looking at over 1 year.

 

[mae.bite]

in land. his work permit expires aug12... what does that mean while the papers are in process?

 

[Sweden]

in land. his work permit expires aug12... what does that mean while the papers are in process?

if you applied inland, he should not leave the country until his PR is approved. Once the PR is approved, he can travel, as long as he is in Canada 2 years out of 5 years, then he will be able to meet the residency requirements, and renew his PR. So - he can travel and see his family, no issue there.

Inland applications are currently taking 6 months for Stage 1, and 8 months for stage 2. However, waiting time vary quite a lot, and stage 1 is taking about 8 months now... so you're looking at somewhere between 14 to 16 months (without being able to leave Canada in the meantime).

ABout working - it depends what type of work permit he has. If he has an open work permit, or any type of extendable work permit AND you have included an OWP with your application, then he has implied status. It means that he can stay in Canada until his application is processed, and he can keep on working (but only if his current work permit is extendable AND he has included an OWP application in his inland sponsorship). After stage 1 ( between 6 to 8 months) he will receive an Open work permit ( if you've included the OWP application) and he can resume working ( or continue depending on the situation).

Good luck,
Sweden