re-submitted sponsorship but work visa about to expire in May 2012

[ming ming]

Hello,

My application for family sponsorship by my spouse was re-submitted in December 2011 after additional documents were requested. My problem is, I know my application will be back in the queue and my work visa will expire very soon.

CIC operator told me i have to re-apply in extending my work visa, but HRSDC have changed my category.. meaning I have to have $1M in capital. I am on an entrepreneur visa. I just dont have that amount. Is it true, inland application is now 20 months wait? thats what i was told. I hate to be a tourist because i hope to work so I can help out with our expenses. I know my spouse is supposed to support me, but i still want to help a little and get a little independence financially.

Please advise what I need to do because I know my processing will take longer and i will be out of status by then. Im very worried and very anxious..

Thank you.

 

[computergeek]

19 months for an inland application is about right, but you shouldn't "start over" if you added additional information to your application (although if you "resubmitted it" then yes, you're probably right, you have to start over.) And you do become eligible for an open work permit about 11 months into the process.

I have no idea what type of work you do, but if you have a substantial amount of capital (but less than the $1 million you indicated) why don't you have your spouse set up a company and you can work for it? You could do so for no pay (you can get away with this in a family business; it's technically a grey area, so consult with your legal counsel to make sure things are done properly.) Or you can create a position for you to work and obtain an LMO (which is definitely some paperwork, but you have motivation) and then obtain a work permit for that specific job. It requires a bit of creativity, but as long as you follow the rules it is allowed.

Good luck!

 

[ming ming]

Thank you.. i will look into that.. regards.