OWP further steps

[coolraman]

Hello All,

My wife has received OWP and will be accompanying me while I study there. I would like to know the further process that needs to be done for her once we land in Canada.

1) Will a work permit be issued to her at the point of entry in Canada or is the visa stamping in passport itself the work permit.
2) How to apply SIN for her?
3) Once she gets SIN is there any other formality to be done before she searches or starts working?

On a longer term, her OWP is valid till my student visa. I will be applying for PGWP post my course. Which visa can she apply for at that time. Can her OWP be extended or will she need to apply for some other visa or can she apply for PR after 1 year of work experience.

Thanks.

 

[coolraman]

Any help seniors?

 

[ragluf]

1) Will a work permit be issued to her at the point of entry in Canada or is the visa stamping in passport itself the work permit.

The WP (OWP) will be issued to her at the PoE. The visa in the passport is an entry document and is used to travel into Canada - it is not the WP itself. However, the type of the visa (W-1) is an indicator to the CBSA officers to process the arriving traveller as a worker. She will be directed to the other immigration counters to process the OWP.

2) How to apply SIN for her?

She can get a SIN from any Service Canada office near where you will be staying. In some airports, they may have a government services kiosk to provide instructions on getting a SIN and other steps. Read through these links:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/arriving.asp

You can ask to be directed to an information kiosk after the CBSA/immigration counters complete processing the WP, where you can get more information.

3) Once she gets SIN is there any other formality to be done before she searches or starts working?

Getting a SIN is not a pre-requisite for searching for a job; in many cases you can start a job without a SIN provided the SIN should be with your employer before the coming payroll date. Regardless as soon as possible after arriving, immediately get a SIN. Other formalities, if she is employed immediately, well she needs to get a bank account if the company does direct deposit for the salary.

Better search for offices with government funded programs for temporary workers - there are some immigrant services offices that cater to both new immigrants and temporary workers. These offices can help in the settlement process and provide links. The government services kiosk in airports when you arrive will be able to provide you information on available services for you and your spouse.

On a longer term, her OWP is valid till my student visa. I will be applying for PGWP post my course. Which visa can she apply for at that time. Can her OWP be extended or will she need to apply for some other visa or can she apply for PR after 1 year of work experience. Thanks

The OWP can be extended based on your PGWP permit subject to the conditions identified here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=199&t=17
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who.asp

For her to apply for PR - then start reading up on the various options here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

../atb

 

[coolraman]

Thanks a lot for your help.