Obtaining a visitor visa after submitting a common law applcation?

[joryhagen]

Hello all, I am in the process of sponsoring my common law spouse for permanent residence. I was hoping someone could help me understand if
a) It is possible to and non-detrimental to, apply for a visitor visa while the common law application is being processed
b) if we can switch the application from 'outside of Canada' to 'inside of Canada' after if this is approved and
c) if we can still get an open work permit after she enters Canada.
If anyone has experience or insight please let me know, thanks so much

 

[scylla]

1) Yes - it's possible and even if the visa is refused, no harm to the PR application.
2) You can't "switch" the application from outland to inland. You would have to withdraw the outland application, submit a brand new inland application, and start the processing time for the application from scratch.
3) Only if you withdraw the outland application and apply inland.

 

[joryhagen]

thank you so much, scylla, and sorry, but just to confirm, would we then have to resubmit an entirely new application with new application fees, and update all the forms?

 

[scylla]

thank you so much, scylla, and sorry, but just to confirm, would we then have to resubmit an entirely new application with new application fees, and update all the forms?

Yes - you would need to submit an entirely new application. All or most of your fees from the outland application will be refunded. However this process can take a few months to complete and you likely won't want to wait for the fees to be refunded before you submit the new application.