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You are the spouse of an international student or worker inside Canada and you've been approved for an open work permit to arrive in Canada. You then arrive at one of the major ports of entry, whether an airport or land or sea border, and the first person you see is the CBSA officer. They will interview you before issuing the work permit for you, being the last person to decide on your application. Even when having an approval letter from the overseas embassy, they can still decide to refuse you . What to do now? What questions will they ask you? What documents should you have ready?
In this article we will review the questions that a CBSA officer may ask you, as the spouse or partner of an international student or worker inside Canada, before issuing you your open work permit on arrival to Canada. We will cover spouses/partners of international students, work permit holders under PGWP, Provincial Nominee Programs and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
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They may ask any of the following questions when you first arrive. The key is to be prepared and not to be caught off guard – the worst thing you can do is either to look surprised or NOT know the basic answers to these questions.
Of course, everyone knows that you need your documentation on arrival, including:
Valid Passport
Valid Canadian visa or eTA (electronic authorization letter)
Introduction letter for the open work permit
Supporting documentation for the original application which was submitted online
Address where you will be staying and contact info of the principal applicant such as your spouse/partner based on which you received your open work permit
Here are some of the questions the CBSA officers may ask you - Remember any of these questions may apply to your spouse/partner inside if they are either an international student studying full time or completing their co-op, or working full time for an employer. This can include PGWP and Closed Work Permit holders.
What is the status of your spouse/partner inside Canada?
They must have valid status as a full-time worker or student.
What is the expiry date of your spouse/partner’s permit?
The spousal open work permit will have a validity that matches the principal foreign national’s work permit or until the expiry of the spouse or common-law partner’s passport or travel document, whichever is earlier. This will be different for Bridging Open Work Permit Holders, Atlantic Immigration and Provincial Nominee Program work permit holders.
Is the principal student/worker inside or outside Canada?
Under BOWP programs, the principal applicant must be inside Canada. Other programs allow some more leeway in terms of paid vacation, academic holiday, etc. which may be justified, if for a very short duration the principal application is outside Canada.
Are they a student or worker? Where are they working/studying?
Are they full time or part-time?
Do you have enough funds to support yourself?
What is the name of your spouse/partner?
Name and location of the school, if they are studying.
What subjects are they studying – which semester are they currently in?
When did the program start and when will he/she graduate?
For partners/spouses of international students make sure you have all supporting documentation to satisfy the CBSA officer regarding
evidence that they are the genuine spouse or common-law partner of a study permit holder
evidence that the principal foreign national is attending a designated learning institution
evidence that the principal foreign national is actively engaged in full-time studies in a post-graduation work permit- eligible study program and institution, such as:
a Canadian public postsecondary institution
For private postsecondary institutions outside Quebec, the student should be studying a degree, not a diploma or certificate to be eligible (Please pay attention to this point)
Do they also work as a student? (This question applies if they are an international student)
What type of relationship do you have with your partner/spouse?
Marriage certificate or other documentation to be on hand in your supporting document folder
Show me photos of your spouse/partner (on your phone or wallet)
Show me your travel ticket? Is it 1 way or is there a return part of the ticket included?
Where will you go now? Who will pick you up from the airport?
What occupation is your partner/spouse working in?
Partners or Spouses of Full-time workers under specific programs such as Provincial Nominee or Atlantic Immigration Program have additional criteria which we will be covered in this section:
AIP: Principal applicant must be working in any occupation level in NOC 0, A, B or C, has a work permit issued under any category andapproval under one of the AIP streams.
PNP: Any NOC code is fine
International Students: NOC 0/A/B
If the principal applicant is a Bridging Open Work permit holder, the CBSA will require proof of the NOC code of their occupation inside Canada. For BOWP principal applicants, all categories require NOC 0/A/B except Provincial Nominee BOWP holders, and FST (Federal Skilled Trades) where NOC B is sufficient, and Quebec Skilled Worker BOWP holders where the NOC code is not relevant for the main applicant already inside Canada.
Do you have proof of them working in these NOC codes? Proof would be pay stubs (last 2) and employment reference letter with the title/position and duties.
How long is your partner/spouse’s work permit valid for?
AIP & PNP: Principal applicant’s work permit must be valid for 6 months after the spousal open work permit application is submitted.
Int’ students & Closed WP holders: The spousal open work permit should have a validity that matches the principal foreign national’s work permit or until the expiry of the spouse or common-law partner’s passport or travel document, whichever is earlier.
And don’t forget the basic questions they may ask anyone arriving at the border, including YOU! The key for an open work permit as a spouse/partner is that you are a temporary resident and expected to return to your home country. They may ask you about your profession back home, family ties, employment ties, assets, and financials.
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