Spouse Open Work Permit for IEC Work/Holiday

[shaunc85]

Hello,

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get my partner over to Canada through my IEC Work Holiday Visa.

On the CIC website it says "Only spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or full time international students may qualify for an open work permit or study permit. To qualify, your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid work authorization for at least 6 months at NOC 0, A or B or a student authorization at post secondary level and by studying full time. A work authorization is granted with a Work Permit. A student authorization is granted with a Study Permit.

As I will be heading over to Canada on the work/holiday program I won't yet have a job. Am I allowed to bring my partner over via a TRV until I can prove that I have a job at NOC 0, A or B level? At which stage apply for an open work permit?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[kiwi123]

Hello,

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get my partner over to Canada through my IEC Work Holiday Visa.

On the CIC website it says "Only spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or full time international students may qualify for an open work permit or study permit. To qualify, your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid work authorization for at least 6 months at NOC 0, A or B or a student authorization at post secondary level and by studying full time. A work authorization is granted with a Work Permit. A student authorization is granted with a Study Permit.

As I will be heading over to Canada on the work/holiday program I won't yet have a job. Am I allowed to bring my partner over via a TRV until I can prove that I have a job at NOC 0, A or B level? At which stage apply for an open work permit?

Any help would be appreciated.

Im not sure if she is visa exempt or not, but if she isn't yes you may be able to get her a TRV, but the approval of that is never guaranteed, she will have to show strong proof to her home country so they don't think she will just stay in Canada. She won't be able to work but she will at least be here. They are relatively cheap and it is most likely worth a try

Just so you are aware getting a new work permit isn't a superfast or easy process. You need to find an employer who is willing and able to sponsor you, they will have to advertise for the position for a while then get a LMIA(basically approval from CIC that they can employ you and a cost of $1000) and then you apply for work permit. I have been through this process and I think it took about 6 months all up, and since then they have made the processes harder. Also, I don't know where you want to settle, but I notice from a previous post you are a Civil Engineer, if you want to call yourself an engineer in Canada you will need to apply to the provincial licensing board to practice here(you can still work in certain areas without getting approval but you can't sign off any drawings or call yourself an engineer). I know here in Alberta they have a process for those who are not Permanent residents or citizens but I'm not sure about other provinces. Being prepared for this may help you in your job search

 

[OddSituation]

• Just so you are aware getting a new work permit isn't a superfast or easy process. You need to find an employer who is willing and able to sponsor you, they will have to advertise for the position for a while then get a LMIA(basically approval from CIC that they can employ you and a cost of $1000) and then you apply for work permit. I have been through this process and I think it took about 6 months all up, and since then they have made the processes harder. Also, I don't know where you want to settle, but I notice from a previous post you are a Civil Engineer, if you want to call yourself an engineer in Canada you will need to apply to the provincial licensing board to practice here(you can still work in certain areas without getting approval but you can't sign off any drawings or call yourself an engineer). I know here in Alberta they have a process for those who are not Permanent residents or citizens but I'm not sure about other provinces. Being prepared for this may help you in your job search

  Forgive me if I am mistaken, but I am not sure your comparison relevant?
  
  What you got was a work based permit which was limited to your employer. What they have is an OPEN work permit under IEC and are asking about an open work permit via partner/spouse in a NOC field. As such their spouse would be exempt from LMIA requirements, etc.
  
  My understanding is comes from (source) is:
  [quote author=cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-permit.asp ]
  The following types of workers are exempt from a LMIA, but need a work permit:
  ...
  • Spouses
    This group can include:
    • spouses and common-law partners of certain foreign students who study full time;
    • spouses and common-law partners of certain skilled foreign workers; and
    • spouses and common-law partners who are in Canada and have been sponsored through the Family Class by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have applied for permanent residence.
  [/quote]
  
  Where the requirements for spouses of a "skilled foreign worker" are:
  [quote author=cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who.asp#spouse]
  Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit if you are:
  
  • approved to work in Canada for six months or longer, and
  • doing a job at Skill Level 0, A or B in the National Occupational Classification.
    
    Note: If you have an open work permit (e.g. post-graduation work permit, International Experience Canada, et cetera) your spouse must attach a copy of your work permit to their application for an open work permit, along with a:
    • letter from your current employer that confirms you work there in a NOC 0, A or B occupation, or a copy of your employment offer or contract, and
    • copy of your recent pay slips.
  Your spouse’s permit will not be valid longer than yours.
  [/quote]
  
  Thus my understanding is that: with an IEC work permit valid for 1 - 2 yrs, they can apply for their partner AFTER they have worked in Canada for a month (or two) in a NOC 0, A or B occupation.
  
  Please do correct me if I'm wrong.
  
  As for visiting as a visitor, I do believe kiwi123's first point still stands.