spouse of a business visitor

[ss078]

I am an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of the United States; I live and work in the US. My wife (also an Indian citizen) is currently residing in India, while her US immigrant petition is in process.

My company wants to send me to Canada on temporary assignment (< 6 months), and I would like her to accompany me during this visit. She does not currently have any Canadian visa. Also, during the period of her visit, she would not retain her employment in India, since she is not eligible for such extended time off.

My questions are the following:
1. What paperwork/supporting documents would we need to submit to get her a visitor visa?
2. Assuming that I will be visiting Canada between Jan 2014 and Jun 2014, when should we file for the visitor visa? Specifically, does it have to be within a specific time period?
3. On a note related to (2), would they grant a single or multiple entry visa?
4. Are there any potential issues/complications we need to be aware of before going ahead with the process?

Please note that her visa application would be processed from India. Appreciate pointers on the above, or anything else. Thanks in advance!

 

[O_guy]

I am an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of the United States; I live and work in the US. My wife (also an Indian citizen) is currently residing in India, while her US immigrant petition is in process.

My company wants to send me to Canada on temporary assignment (< 6 months), and I would like her to accompany me during this visit. She does not currently have any Canadian visa. Also, during the period of her visit, she would not retain her employment in India, since she is not eligible for such extended time off.

My questions are the following:
1. What paperwork/supporting documents would we need to submit to get her a visitor visa?
2. Assuming that I will be visiting Canada between Jan 2014 and Jun 2014, when should we file for the visitor visa? Specifically, does it have to be within a specific time period?
3. On a note related to (2), would they grant a single or multiple entry visa?
4. Are there any potential issues/complications we need to be aware of before going ahead with the process?

Please note that her visa application would be processed from India. Appreciate pointers on the above, or anything else. Thanks in advance!

1. Well, here are a few of the documents you should submit:
a) Proof of employment (i.e. employment letter showing your salary). This later can also say that you are going to Canada for work related reason.
b) Your wife's passport and travel history. This should show that she has visited you in the United States and has returned to her home country.
c) Bank Statement showing funds available for your visit to Canada
d) Document showing your wife has applied for U.S green card and the application is pending

2. Apply for the visitor visa AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! Do not delay since there is an ongoing strike which is creating back-log of applications. The longer you take to submit the application, the more applications placed ahead of you and the longer you will wait for your application.

3. Whether they grant single or multiple entry visa depends on whether you apply for single or multiple entry visa. If you have a reason to apply for multiple entry visa, then apply for it. You said you will be in Canada from Jan 2014 to Jun 2014, so why would you need multiple entry visa? Whatever your plan is write it down on a "Letter of explanation".

4. The biggest problem is if you don't submit all the documents stated on the CIC website. Read the website and go through the checklist and ensure to submit ALL the documents.

Good luck

 

[ss078]

1. Well, here are a few of the documents you should submit:
a) Proof of employment (i.e. employment letter showing your salary). This later can also say that you are going to Canada for work related reason.
b) Your wife's passport and travel history. This should show that she has visited you in the United States and has returned to her home country.
c) Bank Statement showing funds available for your visit to Canada
d) Document showing your wife has applied for U.S green card and the application is pending

2. Apply for the visitor visa AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! Do not delay since there is an ongoing strike which is creating back-log of applications. The longer you take to submit the application, the more applications placed ahead of you and the longer you will wait for your application.

3. Whether they grant single or multiple entry visa depends on whether you apply for single or multiple entry visa. If you have a reason to apply for multiple entry visa, then apply for it. You said you will be in Canada from Jan 2014 to Jun 2014, so why would you need multiple entry visa? Whatever your plan is write it down on a "Letter of explanation".

4. The biggest problem is if you don't submit all the documents stated on the CIC website. Read the website and go through the checklist and ensure to submit ALL the documents.

Good luck

Thank you for the reply. I have one follow up question -
Does the letter of explanation need to state specifically that I will be there on temporary assignment, or can it be more general and state that my wife and I plan to visit together in early 2014?

I ask because it's too early for me to get a letter/document from my company at this point indicating this intent.

Thanks again! Your response really helps.

 

[O_guy]

Thank you for the reply. I have one follow up question -
Does the letter of explanation need to state specifically that I will be there on temporary assignment, or can it be more general and state that my wife and I plan to visit together in early 2014?

I ask because it's too early for me to get a letter/document from my company at this point indicating this intent.

Thanks again! Your response really helps.

Your chances of both you and your wife getting the TRV increases tremendously if you submit the letter of explanation states your company is sending you there on temporary work assignment. If your company isn’t sure about it right now, they can say “they are planning” to send you to Canada on temporary work assignment. Another words, it doesn’t need to be certain. Business planning changes, it is way of life. Also, tell your company that the Canadian foreign service workers who process visa applications are currently on strike and there is no end in site. So they have less people processing up to 20,000 visas per month. So if your company is even considering you to come to Canada, they better write a letter on your behalf and submit it with the visa application AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

 

[ss078]

Your chances of both you and your wife getting the TRV increases tremendously if you submit the letter of explanation states your company is sending you there on temporary work assignment. If your company isn't sure about it right now, they can say “they are planning” to send you to Canada on temporary work assignment. Another words, it doesn't need to be certain. Business planning changes, it is way of life. Also, tell your company that the Canadian foreign service workers who process visa applications are currently on strike and there is no end in site. So they have less people processing up to 20,000 visas per month. So if your company is even considering you to come to Canada, they better write a letter on your behalf and submit it with the visa application AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

I see. Personally, I don't need a visa to visit Canada on a temporary assignment, since I will be on US payroll and have a green card.

But it does sound like having this intent letter would really help with my wife's application. Thank you for the heads-up, and the advice.