How to Apply for a Spouse/Partner Work Permit This is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to www.cic.gc.ca for the most updated information or contact UBC immigration consultants. The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Ali Rostin and Dianne Russell, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) in compliance with the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. WHEN TO APPLY: Before coming to Canada as a worker, or after arriving in Canada as a visitor COST: $150 PROCESSING TIME: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp (updated weekly) HOW:  Online (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp)  OR by paper; send to CIC Case Processing Centre (Vegreville, Alberta) (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp)  APPLICATION FORM: OR in person at a Canadian port of entry (border or airport) Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] General Supporting Documents (additional documents may be required)  Copy of student’s study permit  Copy of spouse/partner’s study/work permit, visitor record or visa (if applicable)  UBC Letter of Enrollment for the student  Copy of marriage certificate or common-law declaration  Proof of funds  Copy of spouse/partner’s passport (include the bio-data page plus any pages with stamps, visas or markings) Tips  If any of the answers to questions on page 4 (Background Information) of IMM 5710 is YES or you are not sure about your answer, contact UBC immigration consultants before submitting your application.  The student must be enrolled in full-time studies at the moment of spouse/partner’s application.  Work permits for a spouse or common-law partner are usually valid for the same period of time as the student’s study permit.  The spouse/partner does not need a job offer to apply.  Need help scanning your documents? Go to the Irving K. Barber Chapman Learning Commons.  Press the “Validate” button to ensure your application is complete. The validate button does not send any information to CIC, so you may edit and validate as many times as you need. International House • 1783 West Mall • Phone: 604.822.5021 www.students.ubc.ca/international • Updated Dec 16, 2013 • Page 1 of 2 Frequently Asked Questions What is a UCI? UCI stands for “unique client identifier,” also known as “client ID.” It appears on official documents such as study and work permits. If you do not have a UCI, leave this section blank. What type of work permit should I select? Most spouses/partners should select “a work permit with a new employer.” How do I fill out my mailing address? A “street no.” is the location of a building on a street. Some “street names” also contain numbers. What is a document number? A document number appears on official CIC documents. It is usually printed in blank ink as one letter followed by 9 numbers. How do I fill out the “details of my prospective employer” section if I don’t have a job? Although you do not need a job offer to apply for a post-graduation work permit, you still must complete this section. You do not need to attach an offer of employment. How do I answer “Duration of expected employment”? How do I fill out the “Employment” section? Write “from” today’s date and “to” up to three years of your desired postgraduation work permit. Do I need to upload proof of a medical exam? Most people in Canada do NOT need proof of a medical exam unless (1) you lived in certain countries for more than 6 months in the past 12 months, or (2) you want to work in certain healthrelated occupations; see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-temp.asp. You can click “modify my answers” at the top of the document upload screen to review/change answers. How can I sign the form if I apply online? You cannot sign the form if applying online; upload the form without signing. After uploading all your documents, you will later be asked to electronically sign your application by typing your name. If you do not have a job, you may describe your current situation, such as “accompanying spouse/partner.” After You Get It     Apply for or renew your Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. Apply for or renew the Social Insurance Number (SIN). SIN is required to work in Canada. Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada (if applicable). Be prepared to prove at the border every time you enter Canada that you can support yourself financially. If you don’t have a job, bring proof that you are actively looking for work (your resume, list of jobs you apply for, etc.) International House • 1783 West Mall • Phone: 604.822.5021 www.students.ubc.ca/international • Updated Dec 16, 2013 • Page 2 of 2