Open Work Permits Now Available For Spouses and Dependents

Surya Rathee
[Published 27 Jun, 2023 | 04:39 AM]
About Author - 3 min read
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During the processing of a Canada Family Class Sponsorship application, some sponsored spouses and their dependent children usually come to Canada as temporary residents - to be with their sponsor. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that by the end of May, a temporary public policy will be established for these individuals, which will allow them to work in Canada while their application is being processed.

Check eligibility to Immigrate to Canada with Family.

This public policy will issue an Open Work Permit to foreign nationals applying to live and work in Canada under Family Class Sponsorship - including dependent children over 18 years old. These open work permits were previously only allowed for the inland spousal sponsorship program and are now being extended to those who are applying from outside Canada.

IRCC states that issuing Open Work Permits to these individuals will not only help the financial stability of families and their ability to settle in the community but will also address drastic labor shortages across professions mentioned on the Canada In-demand Occupation List.

Who is Eligible?

IRCC may grant an Open Work Permit under this new policy to foreign nationals who meet either of the following eligibility requirements:

1. The foreign national:

• Is a principal applicant who has submitted a permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada or as a spouse, common law, or conjugal partner under the family class that has been accepted for processing by IRCC.
• Has submitted a work permit application, where the duration of the work permit requested is a maximum of two years.
• Is the subject of a sponsorship application submitted by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common law, or conjugal partner.
• Has the same residential address as their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
• Has valid temporary resident status in Canada or is eligible for and has applied for restoration of status.

OR

2. The foreign national:

• Is a dependent child that has been included as an accompanying family member in the application for permanent residence.
• Has submitted a work permit application where the duration of the work permit requested is a maximum of two years.
• Has the same residential address as the principal applicant and their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
• Has valid temporary resident status in Canada or is eligible for and has applied for restoration of status.

Announcement of Family Reunification Measures

On May 26, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - made an announcement to strengthen Family Class Immigration in Canada. The new and improved measures include:

• Faster temporary resident visa (TRV) processing times for spousal applicants.
• New and dedicated processing tools for spousal TRV applicants.
• A new open work permit for spousal and family class applicants.
• Open work permit extensions for open work permit holders that expire between August 1 and the end of 2023.

Immigration remains a crucial component in addressing Canada’s drastic labor shortages in almost every sector. These initiatives along with the new policy will strengthen family reunification by facilitating temporary resident status and work opportunities for spouses, partners, and dependent children while they await their permanent residence.

Source: canada.ca