When can I work? Applying for PR through common law

[goldengoose]

Hi there everyone. I have been looking for an answer through these forums but could not find one that helps me. My question is, after sending an application for PR under family sponsorship, how long do you have to wait until you get a work permit? Also, do you have to apply for a work permit separately? Or do they just send you one? What is the procedure? My Candian common law partner will be sponsoring me when we get there. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[scylla]

Assuming you apply using the inland (within Canada) process, you will qualify to apply for an open work permit once you have first stage approval. This is currently taking around six months for standard applications. Once you receive first stage approval, you will submit the open work permit application.

 

[goldengoose]

Ok I see but I will be applying outbound though, is that different?

 

[Rob_TO]

Ok I see but I will be applying outbound though, is that different?

There is no work permit associated with an outland application. You'll need to wait until you have your PR status to work, or else you'll need to investigate work permits separate from the PR application.

 

[goldengoose]

OK thanks so much for your help.

 

[QuebecOkie]

Also, the processing time for stage one can and does change rather drastically. When I applied in October 2012, the website listed 6 months as the processing time for stage one for inland applicants. Over the next several months, the timeline lengthened and lengthened, until it was at 11 months. I didn't get stage one approval until August 30, 2013.

Just want to be sure you have realistic expectations and understand that CIC can and does change things all of the time, and that you can't *count* on the reported times online.

 

[goldengoose]

Ok thank you so much for your help.