twist_freeride

I will be submitting a common law application with my girlfriend and I always had the understanding that I could only apply for an OWP if we applied inland under the pilot program.

I am currently here on a closed WP for my current employer which will expire a couple of months after we submit our application.

After reading the wiki and a page on CIC's website;

Spousal Open Work Permit-Canada : British Expat Wiki

Can my spouse or common-law partner work in Canada?

I got the impression that I might be eligible to get an OWP as my job/career is under NOC A.

Maybe I misunderstood it but can anyone shed any light on this for me? Thanks!

Snowy560

The links you are looking at are nothing to do with obtaining a Work Permit on the basis of making an application to become a Permanent Resident under the Spousal Sponsorship route. The links concern foreign nationals who have work permits to come to Canada to do skilled jobs. This makes their spouse/CLP (also foreign national) eligible to apply for an open work permit.

To clarify:

It is not possible to get a work permit on the basis of making a spousal application via the outside Canada route.

It is currently possible to apply for a Work Permit at the same time as you make the application if you are applying via the Spouse/Common Law Partner in Canada route as long as you have valid status at the time of application:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/departm...2015-12-11.asp

S