A Spousal Open Work Permit makes it possible for common-law partners and spouses, those with Canadian partners, to work under any Canadian employer. The partners or spouses can work for them while their PR application is under evaluation.
On the whole, Spousal Sponsorship is a critical part of Canada’s family class sponsorships. Canada always works toward reuniting loved ones and families because it believes in keeping them together.
Additionally, Spousal Sponsorships classifies into two categories, both somewhat similar yet distinct:
- Inland Spousal Sponsorship
- Outland Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship- its two classifications
The major difference between an Outland and Inland Sponsorship is that an inland sponsorship requires the foreign national who will be sponsored and the Canadian sponsoring him to reside together in Canada. Conversely, outland sponsorship permits the Canadian partner to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada for Canadian permanent residence.
However, there is another prominent difference between the two types of sponsorship. Foreign nationals get the chance to receive an Open Work Permit while their Canadian PR application is under process. These kinds of Open Work Permits are Spousal Open Work Permits.
Spousal Open Work Permit- what is it?
IRCC usually takes at least 12 months to process the Spousal Sponsorship applications. This application process is long and tedious. Therefore, the Spousal Open Work Permits allow the individual within a relationship to earn while the processing of the application takes place. Additionally, they don’t have to remain under any specific Canadian employer, unlike other Canadian work permits.
Individuals can obtain Spousal Open Work Permits without having any employment offer. Moreover, these work permits will hold a two-year validity until their work permit expiry or their passport expiry. It will depend upon which of these two occurs first.
Eligibility
Spousal Open Work Permits require you to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- The work permit holder from a foreign country must hold a valid temporary residence as a worker, student, or visitor in Canada.
- Foreign nationals and Canadian sponsors will have to fulfill all essential requirements to gain eligibility under the sponsorship program for common-law partners or spouses.
- Canadian sponsors and foreign nationals must use the inland sponsorship under the Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program to apply for PR.
Application process
Obtaining Spousal Open Work Permits involve a proper application process, and it is crucial to follow the steps.
IRCC provides an acknowledgment of receipt for the sponsorship application. Therefore, applicants must first obtain this receipt before applying for a work permit. Hence, Foreign national applicants can digitally apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit.
Make sure you follow the steps given for a successful work permit application process:
- Log in to an IRCC account of yours, and if you don’t have one already, create it.
- Ensure that you answer all questions to access a customized document checklist.
- Complete the application form online with accuracy.
Additionally, make sure you select the Open Work Permit option when asked to select the type of work permit. Next, go to the Job Title box and select options- SCLPC OWP. Lastly, the box of the Brief Description of Duties and further select the option of “Spouse and Common-Law Partner in Canada Pilot Program.”
- Upload all relevant documents and click for the final submission of your application.
Spousal Open Work Permit- receiving the right kind of help
Taking help from a legal professional can help you a great deal with your work permit application. Immigration Lawyers can help you submit your application more accurately without blunders. They might also deal by responding to the government whenever required. Besides this, they might also help avoid unnecessary delays in the application process.
