Options while waiting for application.

[BlueSkiesHere]

Hello forum.
This isn't a direct question, but more of a "I'm trying to plan the next steps and need advice".
I hope that's okay here. . .

So, just uploaded PCCs, Schedule A and done my Medical - on Common Law outland app. (We live in Asia)
I'm British, partner is Canadian.
Partner is moving back to Canada in December and want's me to go with so we can continue living together (of course I'll be a tourist on an ETA) while waiting for the result.

Do I have any options other than to be a tourist, study online and help partners brother fix up his house? (All of which I'm happy doing)

1. Am I right in thinking that, even though I'll be there as a tourist, it's still an Outland app so I can't apply for OWP?
2. Could I apply for the IEC? More chance of being able to get working earlier?
3. Is there anything else I could apply for while waiting?
   
   Many thanks.
   If this kind of post breaks the rules, I apologise and please remove it.

 

[scylla]

1. Yes - you're right. You don't qualify for an OWP since you applied outland. Even if you come to Canada, it's still an outland application.
2. Yes - you can certainly apply if you meet the requirements.
3. You can apply for a closed work permit if you're able to secure a job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer is able to obtain an approved LMIA.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You cannot help your partner's brother fix his house. This will be classified as working illegally even if you aren't being paid which means you'll be in violation of your stay in Canada. Studying online is fine.

 

[Will_PA]

I'm about to be in similar situation awaiting OWP for an inland app. Can I do voluntary work at all, does anyone know? I'm thinking foodbanks, charity work etc

 

[spousalsponsee]

I'm about to be in similar situation awaiting OWP for an inland app. Can I do voluntary work at all, does anyone know? I'm thinking foodbanks, charity work etc

If it's anything for which a Canadian would reasonably expect to be compensated, you cannot do it.

Genuine volunteering, where nobody doing it gets anything back except a fuzzy feeling of having helped is the only thing which is OK - should be part time, and incidental to your reason for being in Canada (ie if you're doing it full time to gain experience to apply for paid work later, that's probably back into illegal) - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/work/about.asp. Note that they can be stricter, that page only lists the most relaxed they're prepared to be - despite 'an uncle helping his nephew build his own cottage' being on the 'probably OK' list, people have been issued exclusion orders before for helping family with DIY (as that stops them hiring a Canadian contractor) - https://www.canadianimmigration.com/inadmissible-to-canada-for-diy-repairs/.

 

[BlueSkiesHere]

IMPORTANT NOTE: You cannot help your partner's brother fix his house. This will be classified as working illegally even if you aren't being paid which means you'll be in violation of your stay in Canada. Studying online is fine.

Thank you so much for your input.
I was hoping just to mow his lawn and tidy his garage, but looks like he'll have to do it himself
IEC application and Online courses it is.
Do you know if applying/being on an IEC could affect/complicate the Spouse Visa is any way?

 

[scylla]

Do you know if applying/being on an IEC could affect/complicate the Spouse Visa is any way?

No impact.