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If your spouse or partner is currently working or studying in Canada, or if you have started a sponsorship process for permanent residence, you may be eligible for an open work permit.
When an application for a work permit is accepted, the spouse can obtain an open work permit, enabling him or her to work for several employers across Canada while the application for permanent residence is in progress, or while the spouse's status in Canada remains valid. The procedure varies according to the applicant's status in Canada and the progress of the application for permanent residence. It is important to note that working without a valid work permit is illegal and may negatively affect any future immigration application.
An open work permit allows the spouse or partner of certain Canadian temporary permit holders to work anywhere in Canada and for any employer, with minimal restrictions.
People whose spouse is in Canada on a work or study permit, or those who have submitted a sponsorship application for permanent residence, may be eligible for this permit. Eligibility depends on your spouse's status in Canada.
Yes, if you have a sponsorship application for permanent residence in process, you can apply for an open spousal work permit. The process varies depending on the stage of your residency application. If you have not yet submitted a sponsorship application, you may submit both a residency application and an open work permit application in the same envelope, addressed to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
To be eligible for an open spousal work permit, you must meet the following conditions:
Be in a legitimate relationship with an eligible permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
Not be inadmissible for criminal or medical reasons.
Meet the criteria for status as a spouse or partner of an eligible applicant in Canada.
Processing times may vary depending on the type of work permit you are applying for and the category in which you are applying. You can consult the official website for an estimate of current processing times.
The open spousal work permit is valid only as long as your spouse's permit remains active. If your permit expires, you will need to apply for a new work permit.
Fees associated with an open work permit for a spouse
The processing fee for an open work permit for a spouse is CAN$255, broken down as follows:
The validity of an open work permit for a spouse is limited to that of the principal applicant's permit. If your passport expires, the validity of your permit will be adjusted accordingly.
There is no minimum time to apply after marriage. You can submit your application as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Yes, an open spousal work permit allows you to work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, with few restrictions.
Yes, your dependent children can be included in your application, but they will have to apply separately for a visitor's permit.
The procedure varies according to the type of work permit you are entitled to. Contact us for personalized advice and to find out how to complete your application correctly.
When to apply depends on the category you are applying under. We recommend that you consult us to determine the best time to submit your application.
The list of required documents may vary according to your situation. In general, you will need to provide:
In some cases, you will be required to undergo a medical examination. You can choose to do this at the start of the procedure or wait for a specific request from IRCC.
You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada. If the immigration officer doubts your financial capacity, your application may be refused.
An open work permit for a spouse cannot be renewed directly. If your permit expires, you will need to submit a new application if your spouse remains eligible to work in Canada.
If you have applied online, you can track the status of your application via your IRCC account. For paper applications, you can link your file to an IRCC account to check the status of your application.
If you hold an open spousal work permit, you may want to explore options for becoming a permanent resident of Canada. We can guide you through the process.
Spousal open work permit refusals are often due to an inability to prove a genuine relationship with your eligible spouse. If your application is refused, contact us to discuss your options and recourse.
If your application is refused, you may be able to submit a new application with additional documents. Contact our team for personalized advice.
If your residence permit expires while you're waiting for your application for an open work permit, you'll benefit from implied status, which means you can stay in Canada while awaiting a decision.
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Complete our assessment form, we will assess your case and contact you for an initial consultation.
We work with you to develop a personalized strategy to ensure the success of your immigration procedure.
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We will carefully review your supporting documents and get to work to build a solid case.
Once the decision has been made, our team will assist you to advise you on the steps to follow for your installation in Canada.
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