Canada has extended the open work permit pilot for spouses and common law partners until the policy can be made permanent.
The July 30 announcement comes as Ottawa waits for regulatory changes to come into force.
The pilot applies to spouses and common-law partners applying for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
To qualify applicants must:
- Be living in Canada.
- Have submitted an application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
- Have temporary resident status or are eligible to restore their temporary resident status (as a visitor, student or worker).
- Live at the same address as their sponsor.
“Support for families is a priority for the government, and these measures ensure that applicants have the opportunity to work and contribute to the economy,” a federal government statement said.
“The extension of these measures provides certainty and stability to spouses and common-law partners in Canada who are awaiting their permanent resident status.”
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Open Work Permit Program For Spouses and Common-Law Partners Extended
How to Apply for a Spousal Work Permit
To apply for the spousal work permit, choose the situation that applies to you:
1) Those submitting a new application for permanent residence can apply for the work permit at the same time. Send both completed applications to one of the following addresses:
By mail:
In-Canada Sponsorship
CPC – Mississauga
PO Box 5040, Station B
Mississauga, ON
L5A 3A4
By courier:
Case Processing Centre – Mississauga
2 Robert Speck Parkway, Suite 300
Mississauga, ON
L4Z 1H8
2) Those who have already submitted a permanent residence application can complete a form for the special work permit online, before mailing it to the Case Processing Centre at the following address:
Case Processing Centre – Edmonton
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Work permits for spouses or common-law partners, Station 777
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3
3) Those who have already been approved in principle for permanent residence without passing medical, security and background checks can apply online.
