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Spousal Open Work Permit
Support your spouse in Canada: Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit today.
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Spousal Open Work Permit
Which Spouses are eligible?
Your spouse can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit if you belong to one of the following categories:
Temporary Foreign Workers
Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers in Canada may qualify for an open work permit. The principal worker must be employed in a skilled occupation categorized as National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, and hold a valid work permit. This pathway provides opportunities for spouses to work and contribute economically while their partner is employed in Canada.
International Students
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit if you hold a valid study permit and are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, or studying in certain professional degree programs such as medicine, law, pharmacy, or engineering at a recognized university. This permit allows your spouse to work for any employer in Canada while supporting you during your studies.
In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship
If you are being sponsored for permanent residence through the in-Canada Spousal Sponsorship program, you can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit. To be eligible, you must be in a genuine relationship with your sponsor, have an active permanent residence application with an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), and live in Canada with your sponsor during the process.
Spousal Open Work Permit Requirements
To be eligible for a spousal open work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
Spouse's Eligibility
The spouse must be a temporary foreign worker employed in a skilled job under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, a qualifying international student enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution, or a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring their foreign spouse in Canada.
Valid Status of Spouse
The spouse must hold a valid work permit as a temporary foreign worker, a valid study permit as an international student, or be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada sponsoring their spouse through in-Canada spousal sponsorship and the application is already submitted.
Proof of Relationship
The applicant must submit official documentation proving their relationship with the spouse, such as a marriage certificate for married couples, a common-law declaration for a common-law relationship, or joint financial and residential documents to establish the legitimacy of the partnership.
Valid Temporary Resident Status
If in Canada, the applicant must maintain valid temporary resident status in Canada as a visitor, student, or worker, ensuring their stay is lawful while the open work permit application is being processed. If applying outside Canada, this does not apply.
Proof of Employment/Enrollment
For spouses of temporary foreign workers, proof of the spouse’s employment in a skilled position must be submitted. For eligible international student spouses, evidence of full-time enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution is required.
Sponsorship Submission
In cases of in-Canada spousal sponsorship, the sponsorship application must be submitted and in process, with the foreign spouse residing in Canada. This allows the sponsored spouse to apply for an open work permit while awaiting the final decision on their permanent residence application.
How to apply for a spousal open work permit
Here’s a 5-step process on how to apply for a spousal open work permit in Canada. This guide will help ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and understand each part of the application process.
Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Your spouse must be a temporary foreign worker in a skilled job, an eligible international student, or a Canadian citizen/permanent resident sponsoring you through in-Canada spousal sponsorship.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents to support your application. This includes proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or common-law declaration, as well as documents showing your spouse’s status in Canada, such as their work or study permit, PR Card, or Canadian Passport.
Maintain Valid Status in Canada
If you are applying from within Canada, ensure you have valid temporary resident status. You must be residing in Canada as a visitor, student, or worker throughout the application process to maintain eligibility for the open work permit.
Submit Application Online
Complete and submit your open work permit application through the IRCC website. You will need to create an account, fill out the forms, upload your documents, and pay the applicable fees to process your application.
Wait for Decision
Once the application is submitted, wait for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your application. You will receive updates on the status of your application and, if approved, your open work permit will be issued.
The spousal open work permit application process can be complex, involving detailed forms, proof of your spouse’s status, and demonstrating the legitimacy of your relationship. Cantrust Visa simplifies the process for you, handling every step from document collection to submission, allowing you to focus on building your future together in Canada.
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