In a significant development, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy that allows sponsored spouses, partners, and their dependent children to work in Canada while their family class sponsorship application is being processed. This policy extends the issuance of open work permits, which were previously limited to the inland spousal sponsorship program, to individuals applying from outside Canada as well.
The introduction of open-work permits for these individuals serves multiple purposes. Not only does it contribute to the financial stability of families and aid their integration into Canadian communities, but it also addresses national labour shortages and supports the economy as a whole.
To be eligible for an open work permit, applicants must meet certain conditions as determined by IRCC officers. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Principal Applicant:
- Has submitted a permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada or as a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner under the family class, which has been accepted for processing by IRCC.
- Has submitted a work permit application for a maximum duration of two years.
- Is the subject of a sponsorship application submitted by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner.
- Shares the same residential address as their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
- Has valid temporary resident status in Canada or is eligible for and has applied for restoration of status.
OR
- Dependent Child:
- Has been included as an accompanying family member in the application for permanent residence.
- Has submitted a work permit application for a maximum duration of two years.
- Shares the same residential address as the principal applicant and their sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
- Has valid temporary resident status in Canada or is eligible for and has applied for restoration of status.
These open-work permits provide an invaluable opportunity for sponsored spouses, partners, and children to contribute to the Canadian workforce and experience greater financial stability while their permanent residency applications are being processed.
Enhancements to Family Reunification Measures Announced by IRCC
Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, recently unveiled a series of measures aimed at strengthening family class immigration and promoting family reunification in Canada. These measures, designed to streamline processes and provide greater support to families, demonstrate the government’s commitment to facilitating the reunification of loved ones.
The announced measures include:
- Faster Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Processing: Spousal applicants can now benefit from expedited processing times for temporary resident visas. This improvement ensures that families can be together sooner, reducing waiting periods and enabling a smoother transition for spouses.
- Dedicated Processing Tools for Spousal TRV Applicants: To enhance efficiency and accuracy, dedicated processing tools have been introduced specifically for spousal TRV applicants. These tools enable the streamlined processing of applications, resulting in faster decision-making and increased convenience for families.
- Open-Work Permit Extensions: Open work permit holders whose permits expire between August 1st and the end of 2023 are now eligible for permit extensions. This extension provides individuals with continued authorization to work in Canada, ensuring their stability and support during the family reunification process.
These measures highlight the paramount importance of family reunification in Canada’s immigration strategy. The Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is dedicated to facilitating the seamless reunion of families and recognizes the significant role that families play in the social and economic fabric of the country.
If you or your family members are eligible for this program and require guidance or assistance, contact Brace Law today. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers is ready to provide you with the support you need. With offices in Oakville and Vaughan and services available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Albanian, Arabic, Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Urdu.
Brace Law is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of family class sponsorship and open work permits. Reach out to us at 905-815-6555 or email admin@bracelaw.ca to schedule a consultation. Consider it handled with Brace Law – Affordable Fees, Consultations & Meetings by Phone & Virtually.
