A pilot or an experimental program introduced by Canada, 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 under process.
The program began in December 2014, and was set to expire on July 31 after its most recent extension. Instead of setting another expiry date, Canada is now extending the program until the regulatory changes have been completed to implement the pilot as permanent policy.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently said that family reunification is a “core immigration priority for the Government of Canada.”
The OWPP applies to inland spousal and common-law sponsorship applicants. Inland sponsorship is for couples who are already living together in Canada. The partner who is applying for immigration needs to already have temporary status in Canada as either a worker, student, or visitor.
The foreign partners of Canadians can apply for the open work permit any time after they have applied for permanent residence through family-class sponsorship.
Open work permit allows foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada so long as they meet the occupation’s qualifications.
In order to be eligible for an OWPP, immigration candidates need to meet the given criteria:
- submit a permanent residence application under the Spouse Common-Law Partner Class;
- have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or common-law partner who has submitted a sponsorship application on their behalf;
- live at the same address as their sponsor; and
- have a valid temporary resident status in Canada, or an approved application for restoration status with authorization to work.
People applying under the OWPP can submit the work permit application at the same time as their application for permanent residence. Applicants can also submit the application for the OWPP separately, if they have already submitted their application for permanent residence.
Applicants can apply for OWPP online, if they have already received approval in principle on their permanent residence application. Approval in principle (AIP) means the spouse or partner has received a letter from IRCC, stating that they meet the permanent residence eligibility requirements, but they have not yet passed the medical, security and background checks.
People who already have the OWPP must apply to extend their permits before they expire!
Want to know more? Visit www.canadaspousevisa.ca
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