Spouses Awaiting Immigration to Canada take Advantage of Open Work Permit Pilot Program

CIC News
Published: June 30, 2015

In December of last year, CICnews.com reported that Canada was piloting a new program whereby certain spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the Spouses or Common-Law Partners in Canada Class (SCLPC) could obtain open work permits while their application for permanent residence through the inland sponsorship category of the SCLPC is undergoing processing.

An open work permit allows an applicant to work for any Canadian employer for a specified period of time while his or her application for permanent residence is processed. Over recent months, many applicants for Canadian immigration have taken advantage of this new opportunity. In effect, the pilot program has ensured that applicants don’t have to choose between being able to work and being with their partner and children, if applicable. This pilot program also allows the applicants to receive provincial health coverage while awaiting permanent residence in Canada.

How it works

If an SCLPC applicant has already received approval in principle on an application made before December 22, 2014, he or she then has the option of applying for an open work permit online. New SCLPC applicants should complete an application for permanent residence and an open work permit application simultaneously. Standard medical requirements for open work permits apply. Applicants may see their open work permit applications processed within four months.​

"This pilot program has allowed many residents-to-be to provide for their families and contribute to Canada's economy at the same time, giving them an opportunity to enter the Canadian labour market and society,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“In spite of that, many existing and potential applicants for inland spousal sponsorship remain unaware of the opportunity to begin working in Canada while the application is in process. Initial news of the pilot program may have slipped under the radar in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, which is understandable.

“When the program was launched a few months ago, I anticipated that it would be a success because it is a win-win for all parties – for the applicant, his or her family and partner, local communities, and the Canadian economy. I hope that more applicants for inland spousal sponsorship become aware of it and that the government extends it beyond its initial 12-month mandate.”

To find out more or to make an enquiry about this pilot program, please contact the CanadaVisa work permit team at wp@canadavisa.com.

© 2015 CICnews All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Are you eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian immigration?
Report identifies occupations set for salary increases in Canada in 2025
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Citizenship
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
A young woman sits at a table with books and a laptop.
How can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
A picture of a girl holding two Canadian flags
Here’s what you can expect during your virtual citizenship ceremony in Canada
A woman in a red blazer smiles while sitting in front of a laptop.
What’s the difference between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship?
A person with a packed bag stands on a road with the Canadian flag in front of them.
Link copied to clipboard