CIC NEWS
The government of Canada has extended its Open Work Permit Pilot Program for spouses and common-law partners applying for Canadian immigration. The pilot program, first launched in December 2014, allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are currently being sponsored on an application for permanent residence through the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada (SCLPC) Class to work in Canada during the processing of the application.
On December 7, 2016, the government announced that the pilot program would be extended until December 21, 2017. It was previously set to end on December 22, 2016. This is the second time the popular pilot program, which has assisted many couples and families in Canada, has been extended.
The extension of the pilot program is intended to ensure that spouses and partners who are currently being sponsored from inside Canada may continue to work until a decision is made on their application.
Applications for spousal sponsorship may be made either from outside Canada (Outland Sponsorship) or from inside Canada (Inland Sponsorship). Through the Inland Sponsorship route, sponsored spouses or partners may be able to obtain an Open Work Permit and work anywhere in Canada, for any employer. Individuals who wish to be sponsored through Inland Sponsorship must have valid status in Canada, as either a visitor, temporary worker, or student, when the application for permanent residence is submitted.
Improving Family Reunification Process
In its announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that ‘Family reunification is a core immigration priority for the Government of Canada.’ The news of the extension to the program came on the same day that Immigration Minister John McCallum presented a new plan to halve processing times for Family Class applications — including applications through the SCLPC Class. McCallum projected processing times of 12 months for applications submitted to Family Class immigration programs.
Speaking in Brampton, Ontario, McCallum said, “This will be of benefit to the 64,000 spouses we plan to admit to Canada in the coming year, but it will be of benefit to all Canadians because I think that people are more productive citizens, they do better overall when they are with their families than when they are isolated from their families.”
McCallum also outlined new measures put in place by IRCC to ensure the target processing time of 12 months may be met. These include simplified documentation, and moving applications online. The new online system is expected to be available as of December 15, 2016.
How to Obtain the Open Work Permit
In order to be eligible to obtain an Open Work Permit through this pilot program, the sponsored spouse/common-law partner living in Canada is required to:
- Have valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student or worker); and,
- Live at the same Canadian address as the sponsor.
Applicants are advised to submit a work permit application at the same time as the application for permanent residence. Applicants who have already submitted an application for permanent residence but have not yet obtained a work permit, may submit a work permit application separately.
IRCC also states that individuals who have a work permit obtained through the pilot program may apply for work permit extension before their current permit expires.
To find out if you are eligible to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or other family member, please complete our free online assessment today.
To find out more or to make an enquiry about this pilot program, please contact the CanadaVisa work permit team at wp@canadavisa.com.
© 2016 CICnews All Rights Reserved
Judith B. Gelera says
I’m a public elementary school teacher here in the Philippines. I’d like to migrate in Canada and want to work even as an assistant teacher only. My husband do not like to migrate so I prefer to migrate Alone. How to apply? Thanks
Raj says
How can a family of 3 on a valid temporary residence permit for Canada on a invitation from a family member a permanent resident of Canada,become permanent resident.
Kumar Sriskanda says
It is better to file an Outland spousal sponsorship for a US resident as the processing time is much quicker than inland spousal sponsorship.
Brenda says
This program is absolutely wonderful and I am so happy to hear it will continue.
It allowed me to remain in Canada when I unexpectedly got pregnant on my student visa. I was able to work, and go home to visit my family without any issue in returning. It really made me feel like a normal person so the processing time did not seem to matter anymore!
I got my Permanent Residency in August of 2016 and this program helped keep our family sane during the wait. I hope they keep it for others for a very long time.
Sammy says
I see were improvement is making with every other programs, what about the living caregiver program.
Nenita Dela Cruz says
I have submitted my paper application to extend my open work permit last Nov.29, 2016 and I pay it at the bank. 5 days later the money was returned to my account.I am still waiting for them to return my document so I can pay it online and resubmit my application but I have not receive the documents yet.Please advise.Thank you!
Nick says
Migrating with family is always helpful as it makes a way lot easier for survival in difficult times. However if you still prefer to relocate alone , best way to come here is on study permit or on work visas as teaching is still in demand occupation for Canadian economy. Hope this is helpful for you.
Muriel says
I have applied to sponsor my daughter under the other family member as i do not have any family here. I have been approved to sponsor her. How long is this process likely to take? Website says three years.
Amarjeet says
I am want to movie canada .with family’s what I need do and my brother live in Canada he is permanent residents Canadian
I wait for response
Thanks
Nakul says
Hi,
I’m from India and I’m in the process to apply for PR through Express Entry. I’d like like to know what is the cut-off score for ITA for this year and based on that I’d like to estimate my progress. Can anyone help me with this information?
salembere inoussa says
je suis un jeune burkinabé résident à abidjan en cote-divoire, j,aimérais vous contacter pour un visa d immigration au canada , mais je ne connait personne au canada ,et je n,ai pas de travail au canada . j,aimérais savoir ,quelle conseil vous pouvez me conseiller pour faciliser ma démande de visa.
ELOE SOLANGE EPIE says
Hello,i’m a secondary school teacher here in Cameroon and i am not married but i have a daughter and i would like to immigrate to Canada.How do i apply.
Aloe Crystal Ludasi says
hello, my name is Aloe Crystal Ludasi,im a Ugandan,who needs a job to do,i would be grateful,if sponsored,for a permanent citizenship and I work with all my heart,my mind and my energy,thank you
Donald W. Strtangway says
I am doing ESL training for a Ukrainian gentleman who has been working in Canada as a long haul truck driver for 4 years (he had an employer specific two year work permit in Ontario and is now on a 2 year work permit for a specific company in B.C). His work permit will expire Feb. 23d, 2017. He has a visa that is valid until 29 August of 2026. He is skill level C, NOC #7511. As a truck driver, he is in the top 100 occupations of need in B.C. Until he passes his English test to increase his “points”, can his employer apply to renew his work permit without applying for permanent residence under the BCPNP program and apply later, or do both applications need to go in now at the same time?
juliet says
Good morning sir, what are the procedures for a family in Nigeria apply for canada work permit.
SEEMA SHARMA says
Hi, i m MBA and working as banker for last 10 years.i would like to move on the basis of work permit..please advise
Andrea says
How many months waiting for open work permit if your applying for spousal sponsorship?
Rashmi Ramanna says
Hi,
I have applied for spouse open work permit visa on Dec 12 2016. My husband works in Calgary. I got job offer in January from one of the famous organization. But since 12th Dec there is no status update on my application. By when I can expect update on my application. Is there any ways I can request for expediting the process. I didn’t attach my offer letter along with my application as I didn’t had one at that time.
Pleas help
Thanks,
Rashmi
amir Abbas says
I m need Canada work visa .kindly reply me.
Amitabh says
Did you get it now? How many weeks did it take? Waiting for my wife’s open work permit too and wanted to get an idea how long its taking. Did they update your application online with a decision or sent you the visa straight by mail?