How To Apply For a Canadian Spousal Open Work Permit

Spousal sponsorship is an essential aspect of the immigration system in Canada. You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a Canadian permanent resident if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In addition, a Canadian or permanent resident (the Sponsor) can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner (the sponsored person) for permanent residence in Canada under this scheme. Inland sponsorship is a type of spousal sponsorship offered to couples currently living together in Canada and whose spouse/common-law partner is in Canada on a transitory basis, such as a worker, student, or guest. The goal of completing an inland sponsorship application is to see if your spouse or partner qualifies for an open work permit.

Note: A work permit is a legal document that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. A foreign citizen with a valid open work permit is not restricted to working for a single employer and can work for various employers in multiple places across Canada.

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The following immigration programs are the most popular sources of open work permits:

1. Spousal Sponsorship (Inland) or Common-Law Sponsorship (Common-Law Sponsorship)
2. Permits to Work After Graduation (PGWP)
3. Canada’s International Experience (IEC)
4. Bridging the Gap with an Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Who is eligible to apply for an open work permit for their spouse?

• Spouses or common-law partners of work visa holders under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
• Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holders’ spouses or common-law partners.
• Provincial nominees’ spouses or common-law partners.
• Bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders’ spouses or common-law partners.
• Study permit holders’ spouses or common-law partners.
• Recent Public Policy, dated April 7, 2022, for spouses or common-law partners of someone who sought PR in Canada.
• Spouses or common-law partners of non-BOWP open work permit holders.

A foreign national must have sought permanent residency sponsorship before applying for a spousal sponsorship open work permit. Inland spousal sponsorship allows candidates to stay in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.

A single hard copy envelope may be used to submit the sponsorship, permanent residency, and open work permit applications.

Holders of spouses with open work permits are free to work wherever they like.

Sponsering Spouse 

Open Work Permit Criteria for Spouses

• Under the Spousal/ Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program, an application for permanent residence must be submitted. Both the applicant and the Sponsor must meet all of the qualifying conditions for spousal or common-law partner sponsorship.
• The applicant must be a visitor, student, or worker having a valid temporary resident status.
• The applicant and the Sponsor must meet all of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s eligibility standards (IRCC).
• (IRCC) seeks to process Spousal Sponsorship applications within 12 months.
• With certain limits, a spousal open work permit permits the spouse of a temporary Canadian permit holder to work anywhere in Canada for any employer.
• The citizen with an acceptable legal status.
• According to Canadian law, you are not criminally or medically inadmissible.

What is the duration of a spouse’s open work permit?

The work permit will be issued or extended until the PR application procedure is completed for Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permit.

What are the prerequisites for applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

1. The applicant must be genuinely related to, or in connection with, the principal applicant, permanent resident, or citizen. Because the spousal open work visa is dependent on your relationship with your husband or common-law partner, providing appropriate documentation of your actual relationship is critical.
2. To apply for a spousal open work permit, your spouse must be a Canadian citizen with an acceptable legal status.
3. Canadian law states you are not criminally or medically inadmissible.
4. It is possible to apply for both an open work visa and sponsorship simultaneously.
5. They can apply for an open work visa online once IRCC has approved their sponsorship application.

Important information: Giving incorrect or misleading information on these forms is a serious violation. Verification of the information you submit on your application is required.

Before paying your fees, double-check that you are eligible and have provided all the needed information.

Read To Know : Benefits of Spousal Open Work Permits

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