Open Work Permits for Spouses, Partners, and Children of Sponsors
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a new temporary public policy that will allow spouses, partners, and dependent children of sponsors to work in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed. This is a significant development, as it will help to ease the financial burden on families during the sponsorship process and allow these individuals to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an open work permit under this public policy, the foreign national must meet the following requirements:
- They must be the subject of a sponsorship application submitted by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common law, or conjugal partner.
- They must have submitted a work permit application, where the duration of the work permit requested is a maximum of two years.
- They must have valid temporary resident status in Canada or be eligible for and have applied for restoration of status.
- They must have the same residential address as their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
Application Process
The application process for an open work permit under this public policy is the same as the regular work permit application process. The foreign national must complete an application form, provide supporting documentation, and pay the application fee.
Benefits of an Open Work Permit
There are several benefits to obtaining an open work permit under this public policy. First, it will allow the foreign national to work in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed. This will help to ease the financial burden on families during the sponsorship process and allow these individuals to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Second, an open work permit will give the foreign national the freedom to work for any employer in any location in Canada. This will give them the flexibility to find a job that is a good fit for their skills and experience.
Third, an open work permit will allow the foreign national to start building their Canadian work experience. This will be an important asset when they apply for permanent residence.
The new public policy announced by IRCC is a significant development that will benefit many families. It will help to ease the financial burden on families during the sponsorship process, allow these individuals to contribute to the Canadian economy, and give them the freedom to work for any employer in any location in Canada.
WWICS Resources
WWICS offers a variety of resources to help you with your immigration journey. These resources include:
- A comprehensive blog with articles on a wide range of immigration topics
- A helpful FAQ section
- A dedicated forum where you can connect with other immigration professionals and ask questions
