Work Permit For Spouse

[Fonteyne]

Dear Tim,

My common-law spouse and I recently applied separately for Skilled Worker Class Canadian Visas.  Per the instructions in the application, we included each other's relevant requested information.  The applications were returned to us because we each only submitted payment for a single applicant, instead of applicant + spouse.  My question is, if we combine our applications and submit only 1, and paying the requested application + spouse fee, will we BOTH be granted work visas?  Neither of us have job offers at this time.

Thank you.

~Emma

[Caldwell]

Dear Emma,

A couple cannot apply separately for permanent residence in Canada. Essentially, you must decide who is the best qualified for the program you are applying under and that person becomes the designated principal applicant. The other spouse becomes an accompanying 'dependant' or non-accompanying 'dependant'(if not intending to move to Canada) for immigration purposes. Only accompanying 'dependants' are required to pay the processing fee.

In your case, you will be making one application and submitting the fees for two adults -- you and your spouse -- and any children you may have who are accompanying you. If you meet all of the requirements, everyone will receive an permanent resident visa or immigrant visa. This visa will allow you to work, study, live in Canada with very few restrictions as a permanent resident. Permanent residents are free to move from one province to another and take on any job they want to take on. They enjoy almost all of the benefits of citizenship except the right to vote(and access to certain jobs which may be restricted to citizens). Work permits are issued to persons(foreign nationals) who are normally going to Canada for a temporary period. Generally work permit applicants require a job offer from a Canadian employer, and often this job offer must be pre-approved by the government. Some people who want to get a jump on their move to Canada apply for a work permit while waiting for the application for permanent residence to be finalized. If this answers your questions please let others know by completing the AllExperts rating form.

All the very best with your plans,

Tim Morson, CCIC*

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*Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants(CSIC)

CSIC Member No M041310