Getting a spouse open work permit can stress you out. You face two main paths: apply from inside Canada or outside Canada. Each path works differently. Your choice affects how long you wait, what papers you need, and where your family stays. Many couples don’t know which path suits them best. This guide breaks down both options. You’ll learn the real differences and make the right choice for your family.
Which Path Should You Pick for Your Application?
Most people ask this question first. The answer depends on your situation. If you’re already in Canada with your spouse, staying put often works better. You avoid splitting up your family. Processing happens faster too.
But maybe you live outside Canada right now. Your spouse got a job offer or study permit. You might think moving first makes sense. Actually, applying from outside can work just as well. Some visa offices process papers quicker than others.
Here are the main points:
- You save money by not moving twice
- Some countries have faster visa offices. London processes applications in 4-6 months while Nigeria takes 8-12 months, depending on your location.
- Your current job keeps paying bills instead of being unemployed in Canada during the wait.
- Family stays together in familiar place
Applying from inside Canada has perks. You get health care while waiting. Your kids can go to school. You build connections in your new community. These benefits matter for many families.
Staying outside keeps life stable during the wait. You don’t risk losing your current job. Extended family stays close. Moving costs stay low until you get approval.
What Papers Do You Need for Each Option?
Both paths need the same basic papers. You must prove you’re married. Photos show your relationship is real. Bank records help too. But the details change based on where you apply from.
Inside Canada makes some things easier. Your Canadian address proves you live there. Joint bank accounts show you’re building a life together. Local references know you both. These details strengthen your case.
Outside applications need more work. You translate foreign documents. Local officials must certify copies. This costs extra money and takes more time.
You’ll need these key items:
- Marriage papers: Get them from the government office that recorded your wedding ceremony
- Photos of you both: Follow the exact size rules or they’ll reject your whole application
- Your passports: Both current and any old ones that show travel between countries. This will instate your position strongly.
- Proof you’re together: Joint bills, messages, visit receipts, anything showing you’re a real couple
- Health check results: Only certain doctors can do these exams, so book early
People applying from inside Canada often forget one thing. They need to show they entered Canada legally. Keep those entry stamps and visitor records safe. Immigration officers check these carefully.
Outside applicants face a different challenge. They must prove the relationship works across distance. Save plane tickets, phone bills, and money transfer records. These papers show you support each other despite being apart.
How Long Does Each Option Take?
Wait times change all the time. Inside Canada usually takes 4 to 6 months right now. Outside Canada ranges from 6 to 12 months. But some visa offices work much faster or slower than others.
Your local visa office makes a huge difference. London processes quickly. Some African offices take longer. Check the government website for current times at your specific office. Don’t trust old information from forums.
You can track your application online once it starts. The system updates regularly. This helps reduce worry during the long wait. Most people check it daily at first, then weekly as time goes on.
Does Your Location Change Your Strategy?
Your current location shapes everything about your application. Living in Canada already gives you big advantages. You understand the system better. Local help is available. You can visit government offices if needed.
But living outside Canada has benefits too. You might have a great job you don’t want to lose. Family support helps with kids or elderly parents. Moving costs money you might not have right now.
Think about your whole situation. Not just the paperwork part. Where will you be happiest while waiting? What makes financial sense? These personal factors matter just as much as processing times.
Why Inside Canada Works Well
You stay with your spouse during the whole process. This matters more than most people realize. Immigration stress affects relationships. Being together helps you support each other through tough moments.
Canadian experience starts building right away. You learn how things work here. Banking, healthcare, schools – you figure it all out gradually. By the time your open work permit arrives, you’re already settled.
What About Applying From Outside?
You keep your current life stable while waiting. Kids stay in their schools. You keep earning money at your job. The extended family provides support during stressful times. This stability has real value.
Some visa offices really know their local area. They understand the documents people have access to. Cultural differences make more sense to them. This local knowledge sometimes speeds things up. Key things to remember:
- Each country has different document rules
- Time zones make communication harder
- You might need local legal help
- Travel rules could affect your case
Your local visa office might offer special services. Some do interviews by video call. Others have community information sessions. Ask what’s available in your area. These extras can help your case succeed.
Building a relationship with your visa office helps. They’re people doing a job, not robots. Polite, clear communication works better than demanding quick answers.
Immigration rules change constantly. What worked last year might not work now. Professional help can save you months of delays. The best immigration consultant near me understands local rules and current trends.
Good consultants like Canus Immigration catch mistakes before you submit papers. We know which documents matter most. Red flags that might sink your application get fixed early.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Family
Every family’s situation is different. Some need to stay together no matter what. Others can handle separation if it saves money or time. Think about your priorities before deciding.
Consider your money situation honestly. Moving to Canada costs thousands of dollars. Rent deposits, furniture, travel – it adds up fast. Can you afford to move twice if outside applications work better? These practical matters affect real families every day. Make your choice based on what actually works for your situation, not what sounds ideal on paper.
