Sponsored Person Open Work Permit

Canadian Immigration
Family Visas
Sponsored Person Open Work Permit

Open Work Permit for a Spouse, Partner, or Child: Overview

Certain family members are eligible to obtain an open work permit that allows them to work in Canada while their sponsorship application for permanent residence is in process. This permit does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment under exemption code A74.

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Sponsored Person Work Permit: Eligibility Requirements

The sponsored person must meet all the following requirements to apply for an open work permit and start working as soon as it is approved, even before their sponsor is verified as eligible:

  • ‍Relationship/Sponsored Person: Eligible individuals include spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children only.‍
  • Application for Permanent Residence: A sponsorship application must be submitted and be complete.‍
  • Status in Canada: The sponsored person must already be in Canada and have a valid temporary resident status.‍
  • Place of Residence: The sponsored person must reside at the same address as the sponsor in Canada.

Open Work Permit for a Sponsored Person: Documents, Application Process, and Timeline

The application for a sponsored person's open work permit will require the following main documents:

  • Immigration application forms
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, statutory declaration for common-law partners, birth certificate)
  • Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR) letter confirming that the permanent residence application has been put into processing
  • Documents proving a sponsored person's valid status in Canada (e.g., visitor record, study permit, work permit, stamped passport)
  • Documents proving the residential address of both the sponsor and sponsored person in Canada (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
  • A copy of the IMM 0008 form, if submitted with the permanent residence application
  • Sponsored person’s passport
  • Digital photo
  • Application processing fee payment receipt

This list is a basic set of required supporting documents. Depending on the unique circumstances of the case, a tailored set of additional documents may be recommended.

This type of open work permit for a sponsored spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child must be submitted online through a GCKey account but not through the permanent residence portal used for the sponsorship application. If approved, the sponsored person can start work in Canada, and the maximum validity of the work permit would be two years.

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FAQ

What is a Sponsored Person Open Work Permit in Canada?

The Sponsored Person Open Work Permit allows certain family members (spouses, partners, and dependent children) of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work in Canada. This permit is available while their application for permanent residence through sponsorship is being processed.

Who is eligible for a Sponsored Person Open Work Permit?

Eligibility is limited to spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have already submitted a complete sponsorship application for permanent residence and are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status.

What documents are required to apply for a Sponsored Person Open Work Permit?

Applicants need to provide immigration application forms, proof of the sponsor’s status in Canada, proof of relationship, an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR) letter, evidence of the sponsored person’s legal status in Canada, documents confirming their residential address in Canada, the sponsored person's passport, a digital photo, and the application processing fee receipt.

How do I apply for a Sponsored Person Open Work Permit?

The application must be submitted online through a GCKey account. It is important to note that this should not be done through the permanent residence portal that was used for the sponsorship application. Ensure that all required documents are gathered before applying to avoid delays.

What is the validity period of a Sponsored Person Open Work Permit?

If approved, the open work permit can be valid for up to two years, allowing the sponsored person to work in Canada during this period. The actual duration of the permit might vary based on individual circumstances and the processing timelines of the permanent residence application.

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