PNP for UK Truck Driver and Partner

[jcth1]

Hi, this is my first post. My name is John and im from England. I havent seen a hello section so im just going to start asking questions.


Im 28 almost 29 and i drive Class 1 HGV's in the UK, equivalent AZ in Canada. I was hoping that after using a WHV from IEC to work my way towards a job offer via an LMO and hopefully eventually PR.

However this all changed when i met my now Fiance in the Uk in the summer, i had spent a month in Ontario in May, sussing things out, and did a bit off back packing on the eastern side of the states before returning to the uk in July.

My fiance Abi is willing to move out to Canada with me but because she never had a passport she missed 2014's IEC window for WHV. We have talked about me activating my WHV before july 30th which is when the year is up. However this is all well and good but it has left me in no mans land in what will or can happen for both myself and my partner Abi.

Im aware upon entry that she would have a 6 month visitor visa and during the 6 months i could support her as i would obviously find suitable accomidation. After the 6 months she would have to leave.

This we are fine with at the moment but whats really doing my head in now is what am i seeking on the back of the WHV in relations to a suitable job off so i can stay longer in the hopes off working towards PR.

My questions are:

Will an LMO for myself allow Abi to apply for an open work permit?
Will a PNP for myself allow Abi to apply for an open work permit?
Does it matter that were only engaged or would being married make things easier for us?

Were at a point now where we cant find the relevant info that best serves our situation. Im not even sure if a PNP could work for me in Ontario but i have read that truck drivers was being accepted for PNP in BC.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and i hope i have been clear and concise enough in what info ive given or questions i have asked.

cheers

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Im aware upon entry that she would have a 6 month visitor visa and during the 6 months i could support her as i would obviously find suitable accomidation. After the 6 months she would have to leave.

Will an LMO for myself allow Abi to apply for an open work permit?
Will a PNP for myself allow Abi to apply for an open work permit?
Does it matter that were only engaged or would being married make things easier for us?

Were at a point now where we cant find the relevant info that best serves our situation. Im not even sure if a PNP could work for me in Ontario but i have read that truck drivers was being accepted for PNP in BC.

Hi

The first thing to address is that you must be either common-law (lived together continuously for a year) or married for your partner to obtain any status in Canada through you. There is no fiance/girlfriend/partner class in Canada.

Also, an LMO is only permission from the government for an employer to hire a foreign worker. It is not a work permit and doesn't in any way authorize a person to work in Canada. Any status your partner gains through you will be based on your work permit and occupation, not an LMO.


I'll provide advice with the assumption that you will either be married or common-law.

If you are working a skilled job (NOC A, B or 0), she would be able to apply for an OWP based on your status. A quick search for truck driver gives NOC 7411 and 7511; both are only skill level C and therefore wouldn't qualify her for an OWP.

There is a possibility through Alberta; they have a pilot project that allows partners of long haul truck drivers to apply for OWPs. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2013/ob146B.asp

As well, Alberta PNP includes a category for long haul truck drivers. http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/immigrating/ainp-eds-semi-skilled-criteria.aspx#trucking

If you were to qualify for PNP, either through Alberta, BC or any other province, you would include your partner in your app. A PNP application doesn't allow her to apply for an OWP but it means that she would become a PR at the same time as you.

If your partner cannot get a work permit, she can come to Canada as a visitor for 6 months; before her status expires, she could apply for an extension. Provided she shows sufficient finances, it should be approved.

 

[jcth1]

hi and thanks for the reply. You cleared up some issues i was having. I now know that its looking like i would have to use my WHV in BC and then hope i can obtain a PNP for truck driver in the state.

Failing that then it looks like emmigration to BC would be something myself and my partner will look at.

Will be asking more questions in other sections soon.

cheers

 

[tee1]

hi and thanks for the reply. You cleared up some issues i was having. I now know that its looking like i would have to use my WHV in BC and then hope i can obtain a PNP for truck driver in the state.

Failing that then it looks like emmigration to BC would be something myself and my partner will look at.

Will be asking more questions in other sections soon.

cheers

Just a little more information to help you out. To apply to the semi skilled stream in BC you will need to have been working full time for your employer for a minimum of 9 months. If your willing to be apart I'd suggest coming over and looking for work by yourself. Your partner could apply for next years IEC and join you then, otherwise I'd say you're going to be pushed for time to get your PNP application together before your visa runs out.
Once you have your PNP nomination you're partner will be eligible for a spousal open work permit regardless of the skill level of your job provided you have lived together for 1 year min or are married. She probably could have an IEC by this time already though.

Saskatchewan also has a options for trucking via the PNP and maybe other provinces. I'd avoid Ontario, it has by far the most restrictive PNP criteria