Hi

I currently working at Bournemouth, UK.
My husband, has a valid Canadian Work Permit until 2005 and he is going to work as a Visting Fellow, in the Canadian Government Laboratory.My husband has a Ph.d in Physics.He would be doing his post-doctorate in physics in the Canadian Government Laboratory.I need to apply for a dependant Visa to Canada as my husband's Dependant.I am Indian and so is my husband.

I saw in the Canada website (http://www.canada.org.uk/visa-info/worker/e_spouse.htm) that a program is underway for 'Spousal Work Permit For Skilled Temporary Workers'. This details that Spouses of highly skilled temporary workers entering Canada are allowed to apply for an "open", i.e. non-employer specific, work permit. The requirements detailed in the website to qualify for this program is that the
1.principal applicant must hold a work permit that has a validity of at least six months and
2.principal applicant's occupation needs to be included in the National Occupational Classification list.

My husband, who is the primary applicant, is a Physicist, one of the occupations listed in National Occupational Classification list (Major Group 21, PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES - 211 Physical Science Professionals) and has a valid work permit until 2005.Hence I presume that I qualify as his wife to apply for the 'Spousal Work Permit For Skilled Temporary Workers' program.

I have a few queries regarding the same:
 Are there any additional requirements for me to qualify for the program? If so, please let me know the requirements.
 Can I submit the application personally at the Canadian Consulate in London or do I need to send it by post only?
 I am residing in UK from January 7th, 2004.I complete six months in UK on July 7th, 2004.If I apply for the dependant Visa ('Spousal Work Permit For Skilled Temporary Workers') on July 9th, 2004, would I have to undergo the medical exam here? Prior to January 7th, 2004, I have been in India. Since my husband and me have made plans to travel to Canada in the 1st Week of August, if I have to undergo the medical exam, it would delay the process and hence my query. I have a NHS and a NIN number.Please advise on what course I need to take.
 What is the processing time involved?
 Is there a contact number where I can get further information directly?

It would be great if you can provide answers to my questions.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

I can't help with all your questions but have some experience of this.

I am came to canada as a temporary skilled worked and my girlfriend was granted a spousal visa (albeit we are not married but were able to prove a common law relationship)

In our case her visa was processed alongside mine and took about 6 weeks from start to finish.

Neither of us had to have a medical either.

I'm not sure about some of your other questions as both our visas were handled by an immigration lawyer - we just filled out the forms we were told to!

Hope that helps a little
Andy

Thanks a lot!
I have received my answers from the London Immigration Office itself.
The answer is we can apply for an open work permit , and need to fill in the Work permit form with 'Open work permit for Accomp. spouse' written across the top of the form.
In the covering letter, need to quote my husband's work permit reference number.
I faxed my queries to them and within two days , they contacted me via phone and post and let me know all the details
How very sweet of them

Thanks and Regards,
Sapna

they phoned you!! Holy Heavens!! I didn't think they ever did that

Well done you!

Clare