Open work permit eligibility question

[pcheng]

So I sent in the inland spousal sponsorship application on July 28, 2011.

I finally hear back from immigration on June 26, 2012 through letter. I was informed in the letter I can apply for an open work permit which I did on the same day through the online system. I checked the online processing time today August 16, 2012 and contacted the immigration office. They informed me that my application was transfer to local immigration office to verify eligibility and should call them back if I don't receive it by the end of the month.

So my question is why do they need to verify eligibility if they clearly stated on the letter that I am eligible to apply for open work permit?
Does anyone have any experience with their OWP being transfer to local immigration office?
How long of a delay should I be expecting?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice anyone can offer.

 

[frenchie57]

So I sent in the inland spousal sponsorship application on July 28, 2011.

I finally hear back from immigration on June 26, 2012 through letter. I was informed in the letter I can apply for an open work permit which I did on the same day through the online system. I checked the online processing time today August 16, 2012 and contacted the immigration office. They informed me that my application was transfer to local immigration office to verify eligibility and should call them back if I don't receive it by the end of the month.

So my question is why do they need to verify eligibility if they clearly stated on the letter that I am eligible to apply for open work permit?
Does anyone have any experience with their OWP being transfer to local immigration office?
How long of a delay should I be expecting?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice anyone can offer.

Hi,

Did you finally get your OWP ? How long did it take ?

 

[kitchener_inland]

Hi,

Did you finally get your OWP ? How long did it take ?

Hi, frenchie

sometimes it could take close to 3 months. but usually is about 8 weeks from my experience. I have however always applied by mail so online might take less time. i'm not sure when you applied for the OWP but you are landing soon anyway so I wouldn't even bother if you haven't applied.

 

[frenchie57]

Hi, frenchie

sometimes it could take close to 3 months. but usually is about 8 weeks from my experience. I have however always applied by mail so online might take less time. i'm not sure when you applied for the OWP but you are landing soon anyway so I wouldn't even bother if you haven't applied.

I applied on September 7th; a week before I received the letter for my landing interview because I had no idea it would go that fast. I had sent medicals and criminal records at the same time as my application and therefore it took only a week to go from AIP to Decision Made.
I am currently on a "closed" work permit and am supposed to start a new job on November 26th (4 days after my landing interview), so I do not really need the open work permit. I would just feel better if I was getting it to be sure that even if anything goes wrong, I can still start my new job =)