Hey all! I am a Canadian citizen and my partner is Italian (36y/o). We've made the decision to start the application process, but with COVID we are not sure which option would be best at this point.. We were originally meant to fly into Canada in April, but flights were blocked and cancelled. He was previously given an eTA for the April trip (and these are valid for 5 years) - so I figure we would have 6 months inland, and worst case scenario could apply for the visitor visa extension. (Bringing us to 9 months inland.)
We would also apply for the open work permit, but I've read those are normally 5-6 months processing under normal circumstances. I don't know that we would get approval in time, and it would be very difficult to get by with increased living expenses in Canada and him not being able to work.
While Italians were blocked from entrance into Canada, we extended my Italian visa. Haha. Phew. What a shit show. Anyways, I'm trying to see which is a quicker process for us and hoping some of you can help shed a little light on processing amidst COVID.
We would also apply for the open work permit, but I've read those are normally 5-6 months processing under normal circumstances. I don't know that we would get approval in time, and it would be very difficult to get by with increased living expenses in Canada and him not being able to work.
While Italians were blocked from entrance into Canada, we extended my Italian visa. Haha. Phew. What a shit show. Anyways, I'm trying to see which is a quicker process for us and hoping some of you can help shed a little light on processing amidst COVID.
