Open Work Permit for Spouse or Common Law Partner
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- Open Work Permit for Spouse or Common Law Partner

Open Work Permit for Spouse or Common Law Partner
This program is active and accepting applications on an on-going basis.
Program Overview:
Your spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for an open work permit if they meet the eligibility criteria. An open work permit allows your spouse or partner to work for any employer in Canada except for ineligible employers.
Key Highlights About the Program
Open work permit for spouse and common-law partner is a way through which the government shows support for families. Open work permits for spouses and common-law partners gives applicants the opportunity to work and contribute to the Canadian economy while providing a measure of family togetherness, certainty and stability to spouses and common-law partners of those who apply for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class, skilled workers, international students in Canada. To be eligible for open work permit, your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid study or work permit in Canada or you are waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- You must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics.
- You must be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
- You must meet the program’s selection criteria such as experience, education, age, language abilities, adaptability.
- You must meet the medical admissibility requirement.
- You must meet other admissibility requirements such as having no criminal record or must not be a security risk.
- You must show sufficient proof of funds for yourself and any dependent family member.
Program Specific Data Analysis
Work Permit Holder by Gender
Data Source: TR-IMP Gender Skill Level Open Data
Key Candidates for the Program
- Spouses and common-law partners who apply for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class
- Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker
- Spouse or partner of an international student
- Spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program
- Spouse of an open work permit holder
Step by Step Process
Gather Your Documents
Use the document checklist to gather all the required documents for your open work permit application.Document checklist for outside of Canada work permit and Document checklist for inside Canada work permit.
Fill Out The Forms
Read the instruction guide carefully before filling out all the required forms. Ensure the forms are complete and accurate.You must sign and date the application forms. Follow the links for more information Instruction guide for open work permit inside Canada and Instruction guide for open work permit outside Canada
Pay The Fees
Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after receiving an invitation to apply through the express entry online system. Fill out the form and upload your documents.
Submit Your Application
After completing the above steps, the next step is to submit your application either online or at a Visa application centres (VACs).
Apply Now!
HOW TO APPLY
To make an online application, you will be required to complete the necessary form, validate, print, sign, and upload the forms and the supporting documents.
To successfully submit an online application, you need the following:
- A scanner or camera to scan or capture the electronic copies of all your supporting documents which must be uploaded,
- A valid credit card to make payment online
The first step will be required to create an account online. Follow this link to create an account online.
Once the account has been created, you will start an application for an open work permit by answering some questions. Your answers to these questions will be used to create a personalized document checklist for you.
Submit your application, upload all your supporting documents, and make payment for your application online. Your online account can also be used to get messages related to your application, check the status of your application, and update your information if necessary.
To submit a paper-based application, applicants must read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper. Complete all your forms and gather all your supporting documents. Visit a Visa application center (VACs) to submit your paper application. The service fee charged by VAC differs from one country to another. Follow this link to find out about VAC in your country. Read the instruction to apply on paper (In Canada applicants) and instruction to apply on paper (Outside Canada applicants).
Payment of Fees
The fees you have to pay to the government include your application processing fee of $155 for one individual and an open work permit holder fee $100. You Might need to pay other third-party fees directly to the third party depending on your situation, including Visa application center fee, medical examination fee, police clearance certificate fee.
Biometrics
If required, applicants must give their biometrics. Fingerprints and photos will be taken. Visit this link to learn more about how to give your biometrics. Estimated Cost – $85 Individual, $170 Family.
Processing time
Standard Processing Time for Open Work Permit application: The processing times for Open Work Permit applications vary from one country to another. Follow this link to check the processing time for your Country.
Latest Program Updates
On July 30, 2020, the Government of Canada extended the open work permit pilot for spouses and common-law partners applying for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class until the necessary regulatory changes come into effect to permanently implement this policy.Open Work Permit Pilot Program for Spouses and Common-law Partner in Canada Class
Historical Program Data
Work Permit Holder by Gender 2010-2015
Data Source: Open Data Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit holders with a valid permit on December 31st by gender and age, 1996 to 2015
- References
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Program Video
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