I am going to be travelling to Canada on a work permit, which has been applied by my employer (a multi national company). The basis of the work permit is an intra company transferee, possessing specialized knowledge, being transferred from India to Canada.

The offer/invite letter issued by the Canadian office of my company has my position described as a Software Systems Analyst.

I understand the position described in the offer letter is a skill level A occupation as per the Canadian NOC. However, the basis of the work-permit, highlighted in my invite letter, is intra company transfer of a person with specialized knowledge. The letter does not mention "skilled worker" anywhere.

My wife who is accompanying me on a dependent's visitor visa, intends to apply for an open work permit to the port of entry immigration officer.

If my work permit is issued for 6 months, and my occupation is skill level A, can my wife apply for the open work permit at the port-of-entry?

What documentation is required to prove that I, the principal work permit holder, am a skilled worker?

The invite letter by the Canadian office of my company mentions my remuneration and states that my housing will be provided by the company. Does my wife need to carry additional proof of funds for her port-of-entry work-permit application?

Any replies will be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

What is the nationality of your wife? Assuming that she is Indian, then she cannot apply for a work permit at a port of entry. If so, she can apply either at a visa office abroad or through an inland case processing centre within Canada following admission as a visitor (on the condition that you will then hold a valid work permit).

David,

My wife is Indian as well. Since my company is going to do a visitor's for the wife, I guess, we will think about the open work permit for her after entering Canada.

I appreciate the prompt reply. Thank you.

Hi, i have the same situation as kaps cad in that I have gotten a three year work permit and in canada right now. I'm a Singapore citizen with a US green card.

My wife is a singapore citizen and I'm wondering if she can apply her open work permit at the canadian port of entry.

If so what document/s will she need?

Thanks!!

zymorian, assuming your wife is a citizen of Singapore (termporary visa exempt nation) too, she should be able to apply to the immigration officer for a work permit if the work you are doing is Skill Level 0, A or B in the National Occupational Classification.


Spousal work-permit on CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/arriving.asp#famwork
NOC list: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC ... lcome.aspx

Alternatively, she can apply for the work permit at a Canadian visa post abroad, before entering Canada or after entering Canada.

If she applies, at the port of entry or after entering Canada, she will need another visa (visitors) to be able to enter and/or start her journey from abroad.

Documents needed will include: her passport, your work permit/authorisation copy, evidence of accommodation whilst in Canada, evidence of funds for living expense in Canada. A support letter from you stating that she will stay with you while in Canada, also including your Canadian employment proof and proof of accommodation should suffice.

This is not meant to be exhaustive information but just intended to be a guideline. Good luck!