Very confused on work permit application...

[TwinOfMyself]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum. So this is my very first posting.

My (Canadian) husband and I got married last summer and we came back to Canada last October. It was my first time coming into any country other than the US. We've been advised to do the spousal sponsorship visa many, many times. However, our funds are low so we haven't the means to pay for the paperwork and it's coming to the end of my visitor visa (December 31st, 2014). I would like to work for a year or two before filling for the spousal sponsorship visa, as I want to be able to accumulate a savings or some sort before sending in all of the paperwork.

My questions are: When I apply for a work permit, do I need to pay for both the permit ($155) and the temporary resident visa ($100) or is the TRV included? How long does this process take? And will I have implied status until a decision is made or will I have to leave if it takes longer than my visitor visa allows? Is this even an advisable route?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[scylla]

Do you already have a full time job offer from a Canadian employer and an approved LMIA?

 

[TwinOfMyself]

Do you already have a full time job offer from a Canadian employer and an approved LMIA?

Does the job have to be full-time? If so, I'm sure I won't have a problem finding one.

What is a LMIA?

 

[scylla]

Yes - the job must be full time.

An approved LMIA is something the employer must obtain. Bascially they have to prove that they have to hire a foreign worker for the role because no Canadian is available. They have to start by advertising the job for at least one full month to prove no Canadian could be hired. They must then pay a $1,000 processing fee and submit the LMIA application to request approval to hire a foreign worker. The processing for the LMIA can take anywhere from 6-20 weeks. If the LMIA is approved, you can then apply for a work permit.

Because of the amount of effort and time it takes to apply for an LMIA (as well as the cost), you'll find most employers aren't willing to go through the process. In other words, you may find it much harder to find a job than you think.

 

[TwinOfMyself]

What kind of jobs are suggested to look into? I was considering even a fast food place, such as McDonalds. Any thoughts?

 

[scylla]

Sorry - I don't know.

I know you said money was tight, but I would really recommend moving forward with the sponsorship application asap. You may find that you end up looking for a job for months without any luck. Many employers really aren't willing to pay the $1K fee. Your best course of action is to become a PR as soon as you can.

 

[TwinOfMyself]

Alright. Thank you for all of the information and help!

 

[lellen]

Also, I'd like to add, just to answer one of your questions, that when you apply for a study or work permit INSIDE Canada, you don't automatically get a TRV like you do when you apply from your country's VO. If you want to get a TRV to be able to come back into Canada, you need to wait until you have your study or work permit, and THEN pay again and apply for the TRV. If you don't have either of those, you CAN'T apply for a TRV from inside Canada (if you're already in Canada you don't really need a TRV since the TRV is only to "enter" Canada).