Working Holiday Visa Possible with Canadian Spouse?

[Snoopy75]

Hey everyone, long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm an EU citizen and my country has visa free travel to Canada. My Canadian partner and me currently live in Europe, have for a couple years. We've talked about making the leap across the pond, but I would like to be able to do a temporary visa first to see how I fit in with Canada, before committing to a spousal visa. I've only ever visited, so not really sure how job market, living, rent, etc is. The WHV seems like a perfect visa to get to know Canada.

1) Does having a Canadian spouse prevent me from getting the WHV? I've heard that if you have too many ties to Canada you'll be refused, and having a spouse is a pretty big one! But looking around the forums, it seems a couple people with Canadian spouses got one no problem?

2) My partner would obviously be coming with me, would that cause any issues at the border? Also, if we shipped some of our stuff, but under my spouse's name, would that cause problems and make it look like I'm trying to stay permanently?

3) If I do like Canada, and want to go for the spousal visa, will jumping from Europe, to Canada on a WHV look odd? My partner has permanent residence in my country, and we both are okay with returning to Europe should Canada not be a good fit/ we got refused for whatever reason for a spousal visa. I'm not too worried about "proving our relationship" because we've been married for a few years now, but I wasn't sure if coming on a temp visa and then going for PR would raise a few eyebrows.

Should also add we have no kids and I meet all the criteria for the WHV otherwise. Thank you to anyone who responds.

 

[canuck78]

No IEC shouldn't cause an issue and you have sound reasoning behind the choice. The demand for spots may be the big obstacle. With IEC you are allowed to move and live in Canada so appearing to be only a visitor is not an issue. Think you are overthinking the issue

 

[Snoopy75]

So having my spouse be Canadian wouldn't cause them to deny me for having too many ties to Canada? I enjoy visiting and I wouldn't want a visa denial listed under my name for any future visits/visas.

Yeah competition is fierce for those spots! The plan was applying this fall, when the pool for 2019 opens.

 

[canuck78]

Not sure why you think you can't have strong ties to Canada for IEC. It may be an issue for a visitor but you are from a visa exempt country so you only need an eta and you are not a visitor. IEC is often a great option for young couples. Most of the time they aren' married but it is an easy way to live together without having to get a job first. Best of luck.

 

[Snoopy75]

Thank you so much, that definitely clears things up.

Jumping ahead a bit, if we were to apply for a spousal visa, and my WHV expires, am I able to go on a visitor visa? Or even a second IEC visa? My country is allowed two participation, and my career is a NOC B job, so hopefully I would find a job in Canada, with an employer willing to pay all the appropriate fees. I'd want to stay in Canada with my partner while waiting for the visa to process, but I'd also like to keep working if possible.

I know there's the inland, OWP, but I'm not too interested given how long it takes.

 

[canuck78]

Thank you so much, that definitely clears things up.

Jumping ahead a bit, if we were to apply for a spousal visa, and my WHV expires, am I able to go on a visitor visa? Or even a second IEC visa? My country is allowed two participation, and my career is a NOC B job, so hopefully I would find a job in Canada, with an employer willing to pay all the appropriate fees. I'd want to stay in Canada with my partner while waiting for the visa to process, but I'd also like to keep working if possible.

I know there's the inland, OWP, but I'm not too interested given how long it takes.

Inland and outland spousal sponsorship now take approximately the same time so I would go for inland.