Hi All,
need some serious help.
I had applied for Spouse Work permit almost at the same time as is applied for permanent residence (PA in Canada, Spouse outside) back in February 2021.
July 28 - I received my very first email requesting information to finalize PR application
Aug 12 - Spouse work permit got finalized and ircc issued passport request for Work Permit. She submitted the passport.
Aug 16 - i received my login credentials and NO passport request for my spouse.
from my understanding, if I get issued e-copr, my wife will NOT be able to travel on a spouse work permit. (is this correct?)
i am really confused on what's going on. what should i do?
You are confused because you don't understand the nature of immigration process.
There are TWO main categories for outland spouses in PR applications:
1. Your spouse has
never been to Canada
2. Your spouse have a status in Canada (study/work permit)
One more time, your spouse is
outland Canada as of now. BUT it is important if she/he stayed in Canada before she/he decided to accompany you in your PR application.
It can be confusing but it is vital to understand that. Depends on this information IRCC will follow one of two different instructions:
First one (if your spouse has never been to Canada):
IRCC will issue a PPR to her for stamping a one-time PR visa. So she is able to come to Canada and activate her PR status
Second one (if your spouse had/has a status in Canada (study/work permit)):
Looks like it is your case. You said that your spouse's WP has been finalized.
Your spouse has to have a valid TRV (temporary resident visa) along with her study or work permit. Usually, when IRCC approves a WP application, they issue a PPR (passport request) too.
What is the next step?
Your spouse has to use her valid TRV and come back to Canada. That's it. The border officer can issue a COPR for her if she is able to explain what she needs to and what is her status OR she can just enter Canada and activate her PR status through a landing unit (confirmation portal).
Unfortunately, those spouses who don't have a valid TRV but have a valid WP, have to apply for a new TRV. The current processing time for TRV inland applications is 170 days. Otherwise, it is not possible to enter Canada without a valid visa despite that fact that you have a valid work permit.
Work or study permits are internal documents for those who are inside the country and have nothing to do with crossing the border.