Open Work Permit for Spousal Sponsorship: A Complete Guide

Want to live with your spouse in Canada and work as well? If so, an open work permit under spousal sponsorship can help you accomplish both things. A recent announcement allows sponsored spouses or partners to work in Canada while their application for permanent residency is being processed under a special permit. This is a great source of income and an opportunity to earn experience in the Canadian job market.

This guide will explain all you need to know about open work permit spousal sponsorship, including eligibility criteria, the step-by-step application process, and important tips to avoid common pitfalls. So, by the end of this, you will have a complete understanding of how to apply and make the most out of it to help you get approved, so you can settle into your new life in Canada.

What is an Open Work Permit for Spousal Sponsorship?

An Open Work Permit for Spousal Sponsorship is a type of work permit issued to the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident. This permit allows the holder to work for any employer from any industry which is not the case with an employer-specific work permit. 

It allows couples to remain together throughout the immigration process while also giving them the freedom to earn a living. This permit is available through the inland sponsorship stream, meaning the applicant must already be in Canada. It is an important part of his checklist for sponsored spouses that is torred to help them in the period they need to wait till they are approved for PR.

Who is Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

The interest spousal open work permit applies only to those who are married/common-law to a Canadian citizen or P.R. who have applied for inland spousal sponsorship. You also need to live in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor, student, or worker. In addition, a full permanent residence application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada (SCLPC) class should be submitted. If your temporary status has already expired, you might still be eligible if you have applied for restoration. If you meet these criteria, you can legally work in Canada until your sponsorship application is processed.

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit Under Spousal Sponsorship?

The process of applying for an open work permit under spousal sponsorship is multi-faceted. For one, make sure that you have filed a complete inland spousal sponsorship application. Prepare your documents: valid passport, marriage certificate (if applicable) or common-law declaration, evidence of your relationship, and receipt of your sponsorship application. 

After that, complete the IMM 5710 form, and pay the required fees; work permit processing fee and open work permit holder fee. After finishing your application, submit it via the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal online or by mail. Processing times are variable, but most applications can take 4-6 months. Mistakes delay your application, so review it carefully before submission.

Applying for an open work permit for spousal sponsorship is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents – This includes a valid passport, marriage certificate, proof of relationship, and a copy of the sponsorship application.
2. Complete the Application Forms – Fill out the required forms, such as IMM 5710.
3. Pay the Fees – The application fee includes the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee.
4. Submit the Application – Applications can be submitted online or via paper application.
5. Wait for Processing – Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within a few months.

Processing Time for a Spousal Open Work Permit

The time taken to process a spousal open work permit application depends on several factors like- the number of applications, the completeness of documents, and the time taken for further verification. The approval time on average is 4 to 6 months. But processing times could be longer in the event the required documents are not provided, or if the applicant’s status needs to be clarified. 

Making sure your application is complete, accurate, and contains all supporting documents will prevent any additional delays. Online applications tend to be processed more quickly than paper ones. In the meantime, applicants can monitor their status via the IRCC online portal. Maintaining valid temporary resident status while your application is processing is key to being issued a work permit under the spousal sponsorship program.

Benefits of an Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses

A spousal open work permit comes with multiple benefits, including:

• Freedom to work for any employer across Canada.
• Financial independence while waiting for permanent residency approval.
• Gaining Canadian work experience may help in future employment opportunities.
• Contributing to household income, reducing financial stress.

Common Reasons for Spousal Open Work Permit Rejection

Sometimes, applications get refused due to the following reasons:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
• Insufficient proof of relationship.
• Lack of valid temporary resident status in Canada.
• Errors in the application forms.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

Before submitting your spousal open work permit application, consider the following points:

• Ensure that your inland sponsorship application is complete.
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for future reference.
• Double-check the application for errors to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Maintain valid status in Canada throughout the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to apply for a spousal open work permit living outside of Canada?

This permit is now only available for spouses seeking to apply under the inland sponsorship stream.

What is the duration of a spousal open work permit?

This is typically valid until you either a) receive a decision on your permanent residency application or b) your passport expires.

Is it possible to extend my spouse’s open work permit?

Yes, an extension is allowed if your sponsorship is in process.

Conclusion

We work with spousal sponsorship open work permits to support the spouses/common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to work legally while awaiting their application for permanent residency. This permit can help facilitate financial independence and also help individuals gain Canadian work experience which helps individuals transition and integrate into life in Canada.

This will help ensure that your request is approved and that the right steps are taken to avoid wasting time. Processing can take 4 to 6 months but you can stay in the loop and track your app via IRCC online,

If you want to meet your sponsor spouse and also want to work in Canada, then getting an open work permit under a spousal sponsorship is the best option to pave the way to start a secure life together.