Hi there,

Could anybody please help me out of a confusing situation?

I am a Canadian citizen and I have sponsored my wife to become a PR (in-Canada application). She is living with me in Canada now and we received her Open Work permit just yesterday. Note here that my wife is on visitor visa (port entry visa, as she is a European Union passport holder) which is going to expire on February 14 this year.

Now here is my question - does she need to extend her visitor visa as it is expiring soon? According to a CIC call center agent, this open work permit gives her permission to stay in Canada without needing to extend her visitor status; but, what will happen if she travels out of Canada (we visit Buffalo (USA) every now and then)?

One of the factors that made the situation confusing is, one of friends who just finished his university degree here in Canada will need to apply for a separate visa even while holding an Open work permit! How come we do not need to do the same for my wife?

Thanks for your help!

Regards,
--Niaz

What is the country of your wife's citizenship? Most EU passport holders would be exempt from the need for a passport visa. Are you referring to the ordinary passport stamp that all individuals receive upon entry?

Assuming that she does need one, it would be advisable to seek a new multiple-entry visa if you plan to travel in and out of Canada on a regular basis after February 14th.

[quote="David"]What is the country of your wife's citizenship? Most EU passport holders would be exempt from the need for a passport visa. Are you referring to the ordinary passport stamp that all individuals receive upon entry?

Assuming that she does need one, it would be advisable to seek a new multiple-entry visa if you plan to travel in and out of Canada on a regular basis after February 14th.[/quote]

Hi David, my wife is a Spanish (visa exempt) passport holder and yes, I was referring to the ordinary passport stamp which should give her a 6-month stay permission.

The call center agent's advice is accurate. As she does not need a passport visa, she could return to a port of entry and regain admission without seeking any additional paperwork for the duration of the validity of the Canadian work permit.