Next course of action. Advice please

[Stevelibs]

Hi,

I need some help/advice on how to remain in Canada.
I am currently in Canada on the IEC foreign workers programme and applied for an open work permit using the form to change the conditions on my visa. This was denied, stating that I cant apply to do that whilst in Canada. My visa runs out on May 30th, and want to know what is the next best course of action to take.
I am a british citizen and my common law partner is canadian. The processing times for sponsorship are over two years.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[scylla]

The processing time for spousal sponsorship is not 2 years if you do it right an apply using the outland method. You will be done in well less than a year. However you will have to stop working as soon as your IEC expires - and also convert your status to visitor if you want to remain in Canada.

 

[Stevelibs]

Thanks for your reply, could you expand on what the outland method is? I am also looking into the express entry method. Im not sure which would be best and whether if applying for one exempts me from the other. For example, if i applied for express entry because it may be quicker, can i Then apply for residencey through sponsorship?

 

[scylla]

Join the Family Sponsorship section of the forum to read through your options regarding spousal / common law sponsorship - and ask related questions there. I'm not sure Express Entry will be faster for you since you don't have a job offer in Canada (this requires an approved LMIA) and therefore won't get the extra 600 points that will boost you to a high score. However yes - you can apply for Express Entry and spousal at the same time if you wish.