Spousal Open Work Permit
Any individual holding a temporary resident visa in Canada can sponsor their spouse to work in Canada. Spouses or common-law partners of a work permit holder or full-time students with a valid study permit may apply for an open work permit. This program allows spouses and common-law partners to work in Canada. An open work permit does not list a specific employer, so it enables the holder to work full-time in almost any occupation in any location in Canada. An employment offer is not required to apply for this type of work permit.
Spousal open work permit application can be applied as part of initial application for study visa or work permit of their partners and may come to Canada together.
If the Spouse or Common-Law Partner is currently residing outside of Canada:
- Either spouse/partner can apply to enter Canada as a visitor (depending on the country of citizenship, they may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization). If the application is approved, the spouse/partner can enter Canada as a visitor. Once in Canada as a visitor, the spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit online or by paper through the IRCC office inside of Canada. If the application is approved, an open work permit is issued, and the spouse/partner can work in Canada.
- Or a Spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit at a visa office outside of Canada. If the application is approved, the spouse/partner will be issued a Letter of Introduction for a Work Permit and also be issued a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (if required). Spouse/partner can enter Canada and can begin working.
If the Spouse or Common-Law Partner is currently residing in Canada:
- If the spouse/partner has valid status as a visitor in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit online or by paper through the IRCC office in Canada. If the application is approved, an open work permit will be issued and the spouse/partner can begin working.
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