Student Spouse Visa Question

[Paul-in-Canada]

Hi,

I need some advise from experts. I am in US on a Work (H1B) Visa since last 18 Months. My wife who is on H4 Visa in US is interested in doing a 2 year Diploma from a Canadian College. I usually work from my "Home Office", and my company has no objection if I move to Canada temporarily.

Q:1 When she apply for a "Student Permit", Can I also apply for a "Work Permit" along with her application ? I mean what is the exact procedure to get an OWP (Open Work Permit) ?

Q:2 We have a 2.5 year old kid, What kind of permit he will need ? Travel visa or a Study Visa ? Does he need a Study Visa to attend school when he turns 4 ?

Q:3 I have read in many forums that Student Spouse visas are mostly rejected, what are the chances I will get a visa ?

Here is some more info about myself. I already possess 3 Visas in my Passport. (Not sure if they will have any +ve/-ve any effect on my Canadian Visa Application .... ?)

1. US Work (H1B) Visa (valid till 2013), Currently in US on this Visa.
2. US Business/Tourist (B1/B2) Visa, 10 Yr Multiple Entry valid till 2016, I visited US on this Visa twice before coming here on a work (H1B) visa.
3. Schengen Visa (Expired, Never used it...)
4. I have a Masters Degree in IT with 8 years of experience.
5. Bank Balance ~ USD 22K

Experts, Plz help.

Thanks

 

[Paul-in-Canada]

64 Views and No Answer ....

Come on, There's gotta be some expert here ...... Plz help.

 

[Leon]

1. You can apply together as a family. If you do, it would be more likely that you are either both approved or both denied. She applies for a study permit and you apply for a work permit based on her study permit.

2. The child just needs a TRV because of the age. If you are still in Canada when the child reaches school age, you can ask about a study permit but children already in Canada with their parents usually don't need one. If the child were already at school age and the intention were to enrol the child in school immediately, then you would need a study permit.

3. Students are often denied too. The trick is to convince them that you will not overstay.

 

[Paul-in-Canada]

Thanks Leon. Really appreciate your reply.

One more question. Is it also possible to apply for a OWP while in Canada ? Say I enter Canada on a TRV and my wife enter Canada on a Student Permit.

Can I apply for a OWP in Canada ? Or should I apply for a OWP when I apply for a TRV ? Kinda Confusing ....

 

[Leon]

You have the option to apply for a TRV or an OWP right away along with your spouse. The visa officers are encouraged to see you as a family unit then and either refuse or approve both of you. It is also possible for her to apply for her study permit first and if she gets it, for you to apply for a TRV or an OWP later in which case, it is possible that you are refused. If you go for the TRV and get it, you can apply for the OWP once you are in Canada.

 

[Paul-in-Canada]

Many Thanks Leon