Here is a summary of the new policy that allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for open work permits from outside Canada:
- Who is eligible?
- Spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are applying for a spousal sponsorship or common-law sponsorship under the Family Class.
- You must have a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA.
- You must have the same residential address as your sponsor in Canada when you apply for the open work permit.
- How to apply?
- You can apply online or by mail.
- If you apply online, you will need to pay a processing fee of CAD$255.
- If you apply by mail, you will need to pay a processing fee of CAD$150.
- What documents do you need?
- A completed application form.
- A copy of your valid TRV or eTA.
- A copy of your sponsor’s Canadian permanent residence card or citizenship certificate.
- Proof of your relationship to your sponsor, such as a marriage certificate or common-law partner declaration.
- Proof of your education and work experience.
- Proof of your language proficiency.
- A police clearance certificate from each country you have lived in for more than six months in the past 10 years.
- Processing times
- The processing times for an open work permit under the new policy vary depending on the country where you are applying from.
- For example, the processing time for an open work permit from India is typically 8 months, while the processing time for an open work permit from China is typically 12 months.
- Benefits
- You will be able to work in Canada while your spousal sponsorship application is being processed.
- You will be able to contribute to the Canadian economy.
- You will be able to get to know Canada and your sponsor’s community before your permanent residence application is approved.
- You will be able to apply for permanent residence after you have been working in Canada for a certain period of time.