Spousal open work permit vs Visitor visa

[kenyanstudent1]

Hello,

I am an international student and have received my student visa. My spouse wishes to join me in Canada. Ideally she would like to come along with me on the same flight. I plan to fly out in around 10 days time.

I was wondering what the best way to go about that would be.

Is it better to apply for her spousal work permit from my home country or apply for a visitor visa first and then apply for her spousal work permit while she's in Canada?

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello,

I am an international student and have received my student visa. My spouse wishes to join me in Canada. Ideally she would like to come along with me on the same flight. I plan to fly out in around 10 days time.

I was wondering what the best way to go about that would be.

Is it better to apply for her spousal work permit from my home country or apply for a visitor visa first and then apply for her spousal work permit while she's in Canada?

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

Have you checked processing times? A TRV is currently at 20 days, plus mailing time, plus biometrics time. A work permit is at 7 weeks. Your wife is not travelling with you.

 

[kenyanstudent1]

Have you checked processing times? A TRV is currently at 20 days, plus mailing time, plus biometrics time. A work permit is at 7 weeks. Your wife is not travelling with you.

Yes, you're right. So the ideal situation won't materialise I realise. Next best thing is that she joins as soon as possible. That would be through the visitor. My concern is whether she would be able to apply for an open work permit while she's there as a visitor without any problems? Also, can I start applying for her visitor visa while I'm still in my home country or do I have to wait to get to Canada?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Yes, you're right. So the ideal situation won't materialise I realise. Next best thing is that she joins as soon as possible. That would be through the visitor. My concern is whether she would be able to apply for an open work permit while she's there as a visitor without any problems? Also, can I start applying for her visitor visa while I'm still in my home country or do I have to wait to get to Canada?

If she is approved for a TRV and comes to Canada, she can apply for an OWP without issue.

She can apply now.

 

[kenyanstudent1]

If she is approved for a TRV and comes to Canada, she can apply for an OWP without issue.

She can apply now.

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

Would she need a letter from me to apply for her TRV? I'm not sure how to go about it given we are still currently in the same country.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

Would she need a letter from me to apply for her TRV? I'm not sure how to go about it given we are still currently in the same country.

No, she doesn't need a letter from you.