Hi,

I am currently in Canada on a WHV that is valid for one year. After this one year (which will expire in July 08') I will move onto a 2nd visa that is very similar to my current visa (also valid for one year, expiring July 2009) My partner and I will apply for PR through Family Class: Common Law when my 2nd visa begins, as by this point we would have been living together for the 12 months which is required to class us as 'common law'. We are hoping that the application process will be complete prior to my 2nd visa expiring. Clearly I am in a similar situation to many other people in terms of needing to work while waiting for PR.

My first question is:

If my application process isn't complete prior to my WHV expiring in Jul 09 am I able to apply for the Open Work Permit at the time we begin our application. What I have heard is that when you first apply for PR under Family Class: Common Law, you can also apply to get an open work visa. Once you get your AIP you are able to work on the open work visa. Because I will be on a working holiday visa when I apply for PR, can I also apply for the open work permit as a precautionary measure? Just in case the process runs over my visa expiry. If anyone else is clear about this process I would love to hear, or if anyone has been granted this open work permit in between getting PR.

My second question is: Because I will be on a 1 Year working visa when I apply for my PR, am I able to choose the 'out of country' application even though I am in Canada. I have heard this is possible for people who are temporary workers. Or, is it better to apply for the 'in-Canada'?

Our fingers are crossed that the PR process will be complete before my second visa expires, but we are also aware that this is not the case sometimes. We would appreciate any feedback, especially from anyone who is another fellow Working Holiday Visa - Perm Resident who could shine light on the situation.

Ali