Hello everyone, we were hoping you could help us.
We’ve read many different contradictory posts about this and, as you all know, this entire process is extremely confusing as there are no clear instructions provided by the CIC.
As a visitor, my wife requires an open work permit in order to get implied status.
I have a few questions:
- Is it still possible to apply for an OWP along with a PR inland spousal sponsorship application? I ask because where PR applications are processed has recently been changed from Vegreville to Mississauga, and I need to know whether I can send both applications to the Mississauga office (as many threads claimed prior to the change in CIC office) or if I now need to send both separately. (Also, if we send both separately, should we include a letter with the OWP indicating that we have applied for PR, or are we restricted from sending an OWP application until after we’ve received first stage approval? Wouldn’t that mean that my wife would lack implied status?) Any information you could provide on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
- We know that it is OK to wait with sending the medical examinations until after the CIC requests these, which seems like a good idea with the processing times these days (because they should be recent). However, that got me thinking – do we have to send the medicals in with our application if we want the OWP to be processed with the 1st stage approval (medicals seemed to be required for the OWP to be processed)?
- Which application form for OWPs applies to INLAND SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP PR applications in the case that the spouse is a VISITOR to Canada, and did not previously hold a work permit?
- If the answer to the previous question is the "Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Worker", then I am very confused about all the things requested in the checklist, e.g. job offer letter or contract from the employer giving job title, wages and working conditions, PHOTOCOPY of your valid return ticket, etc. Nowhere does this form specify that if the applicant is sponsored by their spouse, that these requirements are waived. We’re worried that if we send in an incomplete form that the CIC will reject it and my wife will be in Canada illegally. If anyone could clarify this for us, we would really appreciate it.
- On the same topic, how do we specify that the application is for an open work permit and not for a work visa extension, etc.?
We would really appreciate your help.