Moving to Canada to support Canadian wife

[MP2025]

I am an Australian married to a Canadian who receives a disability pension. She cannot financially sponsor me, in fact she will need me to support her. The last time I discussed applying for a work permit with the IRCC website, it judged that my work history in Australia was not good enough. On the other hand, I could try to get permanent residence first via Family Class sponsorship. But does that assume that she will financially sponsor me? I am perplexed as to which route I should try.

 

[scylla]

I am an Australian married to a Canadian who receives a disability pension. She cannot financially sponsor me, in fact she will need me to support her. The last time I discussed applying for a work permit with the IRCC website, it judged that my work history in Australia was not good enough. On the other hand, I could try to get permanent residence first via Family Class sponsorship. But does that assume that she will financially sponsor me? I am perplexed as to which route I should try.

A work permit requires you to first secure a job offer with an employer in Canada and for that employer to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit tied to that employer. The one exception is if you are young enough to qualify for an open work permit through the IEC / working holiday visa program.

There is nothing stopping your wife from sponsoring you for PR through family sponsorship. Those who are on disability payments still qualify to sponsor. Yes, she will be responsible for you financially for the first few years after landing. What this means is if you go on social assistance yourself, she will need to pay this money back to the government. Family sponsorship will likely be easier than trying to get an LMIA supported work permit.

 

[armoured]

Yes, she will be responsible for you financially for the first few years after landing. What this means is if you go on social assistance yourself, she will need to pay this money back to the government. Family sponsorship will likely be easier than trying to get an LMIA supported work permit.

I'd just add: you can make clear in the application that you have your own savings / ability to earn income (incl some work history, education). While that doesn't remove the (potential) financial liability for her, they can take into account that you will work.

 

[canuck78]

I am an Australian married to a Canadian who receives a disability pension. She cannot financially sponsor me, in fact she will need me to support her. The last time I discussed applying for a work permit with the IRCC website, it judged that my work history in Australia was not good enough. On the other hand, I could try to get permanent residence first via Family Class sponsorship. But does that assume that she will financially sponsor me? I am perplexed as to which route I should try.

Assume you have spent time together in person.