Visitor Visa with SOWP

[uaa]

Hi,
I applied an SOWP for my wife in May 2021 and have not received any updates since then other than biometrics updated. The file is processing in Abu Dhabi and I am seeing a very slow rate of progress at that VO. With that said, can I apply a visitor visa for my wife? If yes, is it easier to transfer her status from visitor to an OWP given that I have a valid work permit?

Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Akmam Khan]

Yes and yes .

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi,
I applied an SOWP for my wife in May 2021 and have not received any updates since then other than biometrics updated. The file is processing in Abu Dhabi and I am seeing a very slow rate of progress at that VO. With that said, can I apply a visitor visa for my wife? If yes, is it easier to transfer her status from visitor to an OWP given that I have a valid work permit?

Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks

You can apply for a visitor visa. She needs to show funds, strong ties to home country (job letter with leave, property, family etc.), and travel history. Don’t know hat you mean by transfer status but if she arrrives in Canada on a visitor visa, she can apply for work permit inland. When does your permit expire? Skilled employment?

 

[uaa]

You can apply for a visitor visa. She needs to show funds, strong ties to home country (job letter with leave, property, family etc.), and travel history. Don’t know hat you mean by transfer status but if she arrrives in Canada on a visitor visa, she can apply for work permit inland. When does your permit expire? Skilled employment?

My WP expires in 2023 and yes, skilled employment (skill A). How long does it take for a work permit inland?

 

[Naturgrl]

My WP expires in 2023 and yes, skilled employment (skill A). How long does it take for a work permit inland?

4-5 months.

 

[uaa]

4-5 months.

Thank you for your response. Is this timeline standard or will she have to leave Canada while the SOWP inland is processing?

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for your response. Is this timeline standard or will she have to leave Canada while the SOWP inland is processing?

She stays in Canada because she has a visitor visa.

 

[uaa]

She stays in Canada because she has a visitor visa.

I believe one has to leave Canada after 6 months if he/she is here on a visit visa. However, with your response it seems she can stay here for a longer duration if the spousal OWP is being processed. Is that a fair understanding?

 

[Naturgrl]

I believe one has to leave Canada after 6 months if he/she is here on a visit visa. However, with your response it seems she can stay here for a longer duration if the spousal OWP is being processed. Is that a fair understanding?

She can stay up to 6 months (or whatever date stamped on her passport on entry to Canada), and she can apply to extend her stay without leaving the country.