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Inland Spousal / Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: Open Work Permit Pilot Program

This pilot program allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadians or Permanent Residents to be granted an open work permit while their inland sponsorship application for permanent residence is being processed.

The Spousal Sponsorship program is a subsection of the Family Class immigration category, under which a Canadian or permanent resident (the sponsor) may sponsor his or her spouse or common-law partner (the sponsored person) for Canadian permanent residence. Inland sponsorship is a type of spousal sponsorship available to couples who are already living together in Canada where the spouse/common-law partner has temporary status in Canada, either as a worker, student, or visitor.

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IRCC aims to process applications submitted through the Spousal Sponsorship program within 12 months.The Open Work Permit Pilot Program can help to mitigate the economic and emotional hardships of a long application process by removing the need for a spouse to choose between being with his or her partner and being able to work. 

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The holder of an open work permit can work for any Canadian employer, without first having a confirmed offer of employment. An open work permit is not job-specific. These work permits are valid for two years or until the date that the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

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This pilot program was first introduced for a period of 12 months in December, 2014. It has been extended until December 21, 2017.

 

Eligibility Criteria

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In order to be issued an open work permit, the following criteria must be met:

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  • A permanent residence application must be submitted under the Spousal/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program;

  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse/common-law partner has submitted a sponsorship application on their behalf;

  • The applicant must reside at the same address as the sponsor (spouse/common-law partner);

  • The applicant must have valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker); and

  • The applicant and the sponsor must meet all eligibility requirements under spousal or common-law partner sponsorship.

 

To find out more or to make an enquiry about this pilot program, please contact the ICL Immigration work permit team at info@iclimmigration.com

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