Unlike a visitor visa, a Canadian work visa comes with many privileges – you have the right to legally work in Canada for the duration specified on your visa.
Meaning, you can gain valuable work experience, earn a Canadian income, and contribute to the country’s economy.
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Additionally, as a work permit holder, you may also be eligible to bring your immediate family members, like spouses and dependent children, to Canada.
This allows you to reunite with your loved ones and build a life together in Canada.
Furthermore, after contributing excellently to the Canadian workforce and society, you have a good chance at permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
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If you have just obtained a work permit in Canada and wish to bring your wife to Canada, you have a good chance to achieve your target and we will explore your chances and the requirements below.
What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Canada?
Though often used together, a work permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific period while a work visa permits you to enter Canada for work purposes.
You must obtain a work visa first to get your work permit.
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In Canada, each work permit has conditions attached and these conditions will determine the privileges the bearer of the work permit will enjoy.
A work permit is granted based on a job offer from a Canadian employer and is usually tied to a specific employer or job position.
What happens if you get a work permit in Canada?
Once you’ve been granted a work permit in Canada, you’ll receive an approval letter (also called the “letter of introduction”) stating that you’ve met all the conditions required to work in Canada and you’re allowed to work in the country.
You need to come with your letter of introduction to Canada, you will be required to show it to immigration officers at the port of entry.
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Having this letter makes it easier for you to start working legally in Canada without any problems.
It also shows that you’ve followed the rules and can now contribute to the Canadian workforce.
With your valid work permit, you can now enjoy the privileges that come with it, like being able to bring a dependent to Canada.
Can I bring my wife to Canada while on work permit?
Yes, you can bring your wife to Canada while you’re on a valid work permit, a valid work permit allows you to bring a dependant to Canada and your spouse qualifies as a dependant.
To bring your wife to Canada on a work permit, you have to apply for a spousal sponsorship, show proof of your relationship, and meet Canada’s immigration criteria.
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If everything is approved, your wife will get a visa or permit to stay with you in Canada while you work.
Just make sure that you follow the rules and provide all the necessary documents to make the process smooth.
Before you are allowed to bring your wife to Canada on a work permit, you need to meet the spousal sponsorship requirements.
Eligibility to bring your wife to Canada on a work permit
To bring your wife to Canada while you are on a work permit, you must:
- Have a valid work permit: You must hold a valid work permit issued by the Canadian government before you can bring your wife to Canada.
- Meet job type requirements: Your work permit should be under the job categories that allow for family sponsorship, like the employer-specific work permit or open work permit.
- Be in a legal relationship with your wife: Your wife must be legally married to you or in a common-law or conjugal relationship recognized by Canadian immigration authorities.
- Show proof of relationship: You need to show evidence of your relationship with your wife, you can provide your marriage certificate, joint bank accounts, or shared assets as evidence.
How to bring your wife to Canada on a work permit
If you wish to bring your wife to Canada, follow the steps below:
- Obtain a work permit: If you do not already have a work permit, you will need to apply for one through the appropriate immigration channels.
- Check if you are eligible to bring your wife to Canada: You have to make sure that your work permit allows for family sponsorship and that you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
- Submit sponsorship application: If you are eligible, then proceed and submit a sponsorship application for your wife, along with supporting documents that prove your relationship with your wife and that you are financially able to support her.
- Wait for your application to be processed: After submitting your application, it will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While it’s being processed, you need to monitor the application so you will be aware if they request additional documents.
- Receive approval: Once your sponsorship application is approved, your wife will receive a resident visa or permit, allowing her to join you in Canada.
Requirements to bring your wife to Canada on a work permit
When applying to bring your wife to Canada while on a work permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Sponsorship application forms: You will be required to fill out the appropriate sponsorship forms like the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) and the Family Information Form (IMM 5645).
- Proof of relationship: You will provide documents to prove your relationship. It can be your marriage certificates, joint bank statements, photos together, or affidavits from friends and family.
- Proof of funds: You also have to provide documents to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support your wife in Canada. You can do this either through your employment income or other sources of funds.
- Medical examination: You will also provide your wife’s medical report.
- Police Clearance Certificate: She also needs to provide a police clearance certificate from any country where she has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
If you have a valid work permit and meet other requirements (listed above), you can bring your wife to Canada on a work permit.
