IEC Open Work Permit and Common Law Partner

[HomeBaked]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if someone out there knew the best course of action for me?

I met my Canadian girlfriend in Australia before applying for my visa. I am currently 1.5 years into a 2 year IEC/working holiday visa with an open work permit. My girlfriend is a citizen and a student, I came here to work while she finished her studies in Vancouver. Now she is looking to start another degree in St. Johns, Newfoundland. I would love to stay for the length of her second degree and move there with her.

On the CIC website, under My Applications, there isn't really an option for extensions. So my question is, do I just submit the "Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor" form and hope for the best? Or can she sponsor me, but not as a permanent resident? I mean I would be willing to become one because I love this country, but ideally I would just stay for another 3-4 years on an open work permit.

Or is there another option I'm unaware of?

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if someone out there knew the best course of action for me?

I met my Canadian girlfriend in Australia before applying for my visa. I am currently 1.5 years into a 2 year IEC/working holiday visa with an open work permit. My girlfriend is a citizen and a student, I came here to work while she finished her studies in Vancouver. Now she is looking to start another degree in St. Johns, Newfoundland. I would love to stay for the length of her second degree and move there with her.

On the CIC website, under My Applications, there isn't really an option for extensions. So my question is, do I just submit the "Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor" form and hope for the best? Or can she sponsor me, but not as a permanent resident? I mean I would be willing to become one because I love this country, but ideally I would just stay for another 3-4 years on an open work permit.

Or is there another option I'm unaware of?

Your options are to find an employer willing to apply for an LMIA and then you apply for a closed work permit. Your gf can sponsor for PR if you have lived together for 1 continuous year while applying for a OWP at the same time. You can also switch your status to visitor and keep renewing your visitor status. You are unlikely to be able to renew for 3-4 years and can't work.