When can my common law partner apply for a work permit?

[elliottc]

We just received the "Ready for Visa" email asking for my partners passport copy! So exciting!

I'm just curious as to when we can apply for my partner's work permit. We are applying outland so we couldn't apply for the open work permit at the same time as the family class sponsorship application.

Do we have to wait until the documents are in hand and everything is written in stone? Or, can we apply now?

I'm confused whether you even need a work permit or not. There is literally no link I can find on the CIC website to apply for a work permit if you are a permanent resident or are applying to be one.

Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

Your partner isn't eligible for a work permit and there is nothing you are eligible to apply for now. Once your partner is issued a PR visa and completes landing procedures in Canada and officially becomes a PR, your partner will then be able to obtain an SIN and begin working.

 

[fkl]

I'm confused whether you even need a work permit or not. There is literally no link I can find on the CIC website to apply for a work permit if you are a permanent resident or are applying to be one.

In addition, there shouldn't be a link because in every way, a PR is a status with many more privileges compared to a work permit. You should have read the rights of a PR.

So the right to work for any employer for any length of time or to open a business on your own etc. automatically comes with a PR. Work permit is for people who to Canada on temporary status - either studying or hired for a particular employer or finished study here and now are eligible to work here for a while etc.

After becoming a PR (i.e. done with landing in Canada, he just need to get a SIN which takes about an hour at max at any Service Canada outlet)