The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced a new temporary public policy that allows sponsored spouses, partners, and their dependent children to work in Canada while their family class sponsorship application is being processed. This move aims to enhance the financial stability of families, promote community integration, address national labor shortages, and contribute to the Canadian economy.
Expanded Access to Open Work Permits
Previously, open work permits were only available to applicants under the inland spousal sponsorship program. However, this temporary public policy extends the eligibility to those applying from outside Canada as well. It allows foreign nationals applying for family class sponsorship, including dependent children over 18 years old, to obtain an open work permit. This development opens up new opportunities for families who are waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an open work permit, foreign nationals must meet specific criteria outlined by the IRCC:
For Principal Applicants:
- Must have 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, which has been accepted for processing by IRCC.
- Must have submitted a work permit application with a maximum duration of two years.
- Must be the subject of a sponsorship application submitted by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common law, or conjugal partner.
- Must share the same residential address as their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
- Must possess valid temporary resident status in Canada or be eligible for and have applied for restoration of status.
For Dependent Children:
- Must have been included as an accompanying family member in the application for permanent residence.
- Must have submitted a work permit application with a maximum duration of two years.
- Must share the same residential address as the principal applicant and their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
- Must possess valid temporary resident status in Canada or be eligible for and have applied for restoration of status.
- By meeting these requirements, eligible applicants can take advantage of the open work permit option and work in Canada while waiting for their permanent residency to be processed.
Strengthening Family Reunification Measures
In addition to introducing open work permits for sponsored spouses, partners, and dependent children, the Canadian government has implemented other measures to enhance family class immigration and family reunification in the country. These measures, announced by Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, aim to expedite processing times and provide dedicated tools for spousal temporary resident visa (TRV) applicants. Furthermore, open work permit extensions will be available for individuals whose existing permits expire between August 1st and the end of 2023.
Fraser emphasized that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to reuniting families and highlight the importance of family reunification as an integral part of Canada’s immigration strategy. These measures not only support families but also contribute to Canada’s labor force and overall economic growth.
