Do you have a spouse or common-law partner living or studying in Canada as an immigrant? If that is the case, you might be thinking about shifting there yourself to be near your partner, or maybe even help them financially! Did you know that you can apply for a spousal open work permit to be able to enter and work in Canada? The Spousal Open Work Permit Program in Canada which has family reunification as one of its major goals allows you to work in Canada along with your spouse.
In this immigration program, you can apply for and obtain an open work permit which enables you to work with any Canadian employer once you enter Canada. The spousal work permit also promotes cultural engagement for you with the local society and allows you to obtain gainful employment. Here’s how you can apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada:
What is an Open Work Permit?
An Open Work Permit allows you the right to work for any employer and you can even change employers without any restriction. Thus, an open work permit provides a lot more freedom and flexibility than an employer-specific work permit. It also requires less paperwork and the hiring process is quicker as well. However, not all spouses can apply for it, and to get an open work permit you need to qualify a few eligibility criteria.
Prerequisites for an Open Work Permit for a spouse in Canada
Here’s what you’ll need to qualify as a candidate for an open work visa:
● You must have a spouse, currently studying beyond the post-secondary level in Canada or doing a job, which must last at least six months.
● A spouse working in skill type 0, A, or B as defined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
● your legal spouse’s work permit.
● A letter from your spouse’s employer which verifies their current job title, or their employment/offer letter.
● A copy of your spouse’s last payment slip.
Other prerequisites might also include:
● A declaration that you will leave Canadian soil once your work visa runs out.
● Show that you have enough finance to upkeep during your stay.
● show all documents required by immigration officials at every step of the process.
● Prove you are healthy, provide a medical report, and go through a complete health checkup.
● That you are law-abiding and have no criminal activity. A Police Clearance Certificate might be needed.
You must also prove you’ll never:
● Work for an ineligible employer like escort service, strippers, and massage sessions.
● Cause harm to Canada or its residents.
Your work permit, once approved, will remain valid as long as your partner’s work permit.
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Who can apply for it?
You can apply for it if your spouse/partner is:
- fails to meet the costs of their studies.
- working on employer-specific work permit
- an international student who has completed their education from a renowned institution and has met the criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
- applying for permanent residence in Canada.
- supporting dependent family members
- the young worker involved in special programs.
- a skilled worker or international student.
- an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
- subjected to an unenforceable removal order.
- temporary resident permit holder.
- refugee, protected person, or their family member
How to apply for it?
The application for an open work permit from inside Canada is completely online. For the full instructions on how to apply, see the instruction guide provided by the Canadian government. Unfortunately, if your application form is not complete, there is a risk that it will be rejected as ‘incomplete’, meaning that you will need to apply from the beginning. If your open work permit application is granted by the Canadian immigration authorities, you will receive your immigration documentation by post, and you’re ready to fly and start working in Canada alongside your spouse!