A popular pilot program that allows certain spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to work while awaiting permanent resident status has been extended for another year.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) gave the young couple the best Christmas present possible on December 22, 2014 when it announced a new pilot program allowing spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the spouse or common law partnership (SCLPC) to obtain an open work permit.
On December 11, 2015, CIC announced that this pilot program has been extended for an additional year. This program has allowed many spouses to provide for themselves and their families, as well as gain valuable Canadian work experience, while awaiting permanent resident status.
The holder of an open work permit can work for any Canadian employer, without first having a confirmed offer of employment. Applicants who have already submitted an application for permanent residence under the SCLPC but have not yet applied for an open work permit can submit a completed work permit application, along with appropriate fee, to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville.
-
Applicants who have already received approval in principle on an application for permanent residence and received a letter stating that they meet the eligibility requirements, but have not yet passed the medical, security and background checks for your family members or themselves, may apply for an open work permit online.
-
Applicants who were provided with a work permit under the initial pilot program, which first opened on December 22, 2015, and who wish to apply for a work permit extension must do so before the initial work permit expires.
-
Applicants who are submitting a new application under the SCLPC may submit a work permit application at the same time as the sponsorship application. The appropriate fees and all completed applications should be sent together to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga.
Officers will issue open work permits to SCLPC class applicants if they meet the following requirements:
-
a permanent residence application has been submitted under the SCLPC class;
-
a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse has submitted a sponsorship application on their behalf;
-
the SCLPC class applicant resides at the same address as the sponsor; and
-
the SCLPC class applicant has valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker).
