Some sponsorship questions

[Ariandel]

Hey all, I was wondering (and would greatly appreciate) any answers or thoughts on this situation: I'm a Greek (EU) citizen, have been married to a Canadian citizen for 8 years and we had been living in Greece during that time. We're now moving permanently over to Canada - she's left ahead of me to find work, which she just started, and I'm planning on joining her there promptly in order to start the sponsorship process in-land.

Some questions:

1) Do I simply enter the country on a tourist visa and then we file the sponsorship papers? Or should I fill in any other type of paperwork at the airport to declare my intention of staying permanently?

2) Once the sponsorship process begins but before first-stage approval can I look for work in Canada? Would that affect it?

3) While the sponsorship process is ongoing do I qualify for any form of health insurance?

Thanks for your time,
John.

 

[Creampop]

In your case in-land and out-land processing times are running just about the same. in-land is 11 months plus 8 months out-land is 3 months plus 14 months for Rome. the biggest difference between the 2 is with applying in-land you lose your right to appeal if denied. Also applying in-land you can't leave Canada and risk the chance of being denied if you do leave the country. As far as entering yes you would enter as a visitor, if possible have the receipt showing that your PR fee's have been paid(these can be paid before the application is mailed), this will atleast prove to the Officer at the POE that you intend to "follow" the immigration rules. you shouldn't say your coming with the intention of staying permanently and may need to prove that if denied you will return home. your are from a Visa exempt country so ask for a visitor record when entering this will atleast be 6 months (maybe more depending on IO) and then you could apply for a visitors extension in month 5 (30 days before vistor's record expires, but if denied for extension you will have to leave and applying in-land this voids your application) when you do that you can ask for remaining time of your application wait. as a visitor you can not work or study in Canada, applying in-land you can apply for an open work permit but will not receive it until first stage processing is done, so approx. 11 months. No you won't qualify for health care until you receive an AIP which is also after first stage processing. There are travel insurances you can look into. GL!

 

[Ariandel]

First of all, thank you for the prompt answers, I much appreciate it.

There are two things I wanted to inquire about:

1) I don't understand why the in-land process specifically hinges on the applicant not leaving Canada yet doesn't grant you some sort of temporary permit to stay until it's resolved. If the visitor's visa extension is denied (for whatever reason?) after six months I'd have to leave the country and reset the entire thing?

2) So while I'm able to look for a job in Canada right now from across the sea with no ties to Canada other than being married to one of its citizens (I've had interviews over Skype already) I wouldn't be able to do the same thing while I'm there, part of an official immigration process? What happens for instance if I apply for a position and a company wishes to hire me? Would they be unable to provide me with a work visa? And would that interfere with sponsorship?

I'd appreciate any clarifications you folks have to offer.
- John.

 

[Creampop]

No, it does not grant you any sort of temporary permit to stay, you come as a visitor, file and must retain your status through out the in-land process... applying for extensions. If you do not have legal status they will not issue the visa. (tho not having legal status is not a reason for the to deport you, but having no status is illegal I know that is such an oxymoron ??? ) So either way in-land or out-land you are going to have to apply for extensions. in-land you will prolly need two extensions unless you ask/receive that amount of time with your first extension, by explaining that you have applied in-land and sending the proof.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5289ETOC.asp

Leaving Canada can automatically cancel temporary resident status as a visitor, student or worker.

The person being sponsored has no guarantee that he or she will be permitted to return or re‑enter Canada if he or she leaves before permanent residence is approved. This is especially true if a Temporary Resident Visa is required to enter Canada.

for extensions
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp

I really don't know much about finding a job before receiving the visa... have read if you do find someone to hire you the employer will need a LMO to hire you... also from reading it says most cases for work permits must be filed out of Canada so I am assuming this means all cases other then open work permits with the in-land application.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-how.asp

Remember that in most cases, you have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Your employer also has a role in the application process.

But of course if your are interviewing with these companies then they should know what the process will be...