Spousal Sponsorship and the new Open Work permit option

[VicR]

Hi Everyone,

I need some much needed help! My name is Victoria, I'm a Canadian citizen and I'm going to be sponsoring my husband, who is a US citizen. After all the reading I've done, it would seem that doing the Outland sponsorship is the best option. We're planning on submitting everything all at once by the end of the month, but I had a couple questions about the new open work permit that is now available.

1. If US citizens PR is being processed quickly, is it worth doing the open work permit application?
2. I assume that the open work application is going to be an additional cost?
3. Would he have to apply for a work permit anyway after becoming a PR? (I assume not).

Other side questions:

1. Is it okay/beneficial to complete biometrics and medical exams prior to submitting the paperwork so that we can submit it all together?
2. I noticed that there is a "Right of Permanent Residency Fee" that they recommend going ahead a paying when you submit the application, although this will speed up the application process, supposedly, what will happen if the application is refused? Do they refund it?
3. Do I have to meet certain financial requirements to sponsor him as an Outland application?
4. Also, he is down working in the US right now, but our plan is for him to come up in March, will I need to be with him at the boarder in order for him to receive a visitor visa? Can he travel back down for work or would he lose the visitor visa?

 

[rhcohen2014]

1-2. outland applicants are not eligible for the owp, that is only for inland applicants. don't let it change your mind about applying outland. outland is the only way to go for us citizens. by the time the owp is actually received, an outland us applicant would be either close to approval or already landed (depending on how quickly the permits are actually issued)
3. once he becomes a pr, he is legally allowed to work in canada. there is no need for a work permit.

1. yes, it's best to submit everything upfront. since the fbi check is taking more than 12 weeks to process, then it's suggested to send in the applicaiton without that. you will be able to submit it at a later date, and it won't necessarily delay the processing. the medical is best when done upfront.
2. yes, it's recommended to pay it upfront. it's your choice based on your own needs. i did NOT, and i waited until it was requested. This was back in august when i was approved, and paying when requested did not delay my processing at all. if your case is straight forward, it is doubtful he will be refused. if he is, or you cancel the app, then the RPRF will be refunded.
3. no, there is no financial requirement except you can't be on welfare or have filed bankruptcy.
4. he is from the us, therefore he is visa exempt and does not need to apply for a visa to enter canada. he can simple come to the border with his passport and ask to enter as a visitor. as an outland applicant he can travel back and forth as much as he wants (and CBSA will allow). it's best to show proof of ties to the US and his pr application receipts/copies. if he is only doing short term stays, then it won't be much of an issue.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi

1. If US citizens PR is being processed quickly, is it worth doing the open work permit application?
2. I assume that the open work application is going to be an additional cost?
3. Would he have to apply for a work permit anyway after becoming a PR? (I assume not).

1. Outland applicants don't qualify for an OWP.

2. Yes, it's additional but again, not an option for outland.

3. No. Once he is a PR, he has the right to work in Canada.

1. Is it okay/beneficial to complete biometrics and medical exams prior to submitting the paperwork so that we can submit it all together?
2. I noticed that there is a "Right of Permanent Residency Fee" that they recommend going ahead a paying when you submit the application, although this will speed up the application process, supposedly, what will happen if the application is refused? Do they refund it?
3. Do I have to meet certain financial requirements to sponsor him as an Outland application?
4. Also, he is down working in the US right now, but our plan is for him to come up in March, will I need to be with him at the boarder in order for him to receive a visitor visa? Can he travel back down for work or would he lose the visitor visa?

1. It's required to complete the medical before submitting the app. US citizens don't submit biometrics.

2. Pay it beforehand to avoid delays. It is refunded if the app is refused.

3. There is no minimum income requirement but you have to show you can support yourselves without welfare.

4. No, you don't need to be with him. He should carry proof of the PR app, like the sponsor approval or fee receipt. He doesn't "lose" visitor status; it ends when he leaves Canada. When he re-enters; he receives a new visitor status.

 

[orotibash]

hi everyone! i'm just wondering if i have to pay for the ATI fee when applying for an OWP? If yes, how to do that and do i have to send them an application for that? thanks in advance.