Open Work Permit Spouse USA/Canada

[christinebear]

Hello! I'm a US citizen planning to marry my Canadian this summer. Yay! My question is about the open work permit. The CIC site is a bit confusing.

As a spouse can I apply for the open work permit, or do I have to apply for permanent residence and sponsorship first?

I see "OR" on the site, but then on other pages it seems to be limited for permanent residence applicants. We're not sure if we want to stay in Canada long term. We might move to Scotland or the States for a few years...so I don't want to spend money and time on the pricey Permanent residence application and sponsorship yet if I don't have to. I'm also looking at schools.

I have an extended visitor visa for six months.

Any information would be appreciated!

 

[formalboygirl]

you can either way according to my knowledge.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

As a spouse can I apply for the open work permit, or do I have to apply for permanent residence and sponsorship first?

I see "OR" on the site, but then on other pages it seems to be limited for permanent residence applicants. We're not sure if we want to stay in Canada long term. We might move to Scotland or the States for a few years...so I don't want to spend money and time on the pricey Permanent residence application and sponsorship yet if I don't have to. I'm also looking at schools.

I have an extended visitor visa for six months.

You do not qualify for an OWP by being married to a Canadian.

If you apply inland and include the OWP app, it will take about 4 months to get it. However, OUTLAND American apps have been going through in 2-4 months, so if you decide to apply for PR, definitely apply outland.

If you are looking at going to school in Canada, then you definitely want to apply outland and become a PR first. International tuition is thousands of dollars more than domestic tuition.

you can either way according to my knowledge.

Incorrect. Being the spouse of a Canadian does not give a person the right to apply for an OWP.