Updated on December 9, 2025 by canadian immigration experts
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Canada is making it easier for families to be together with a work permit
The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new measure that expands the availability of Open work permit
Now, if you’re a spouse, partner, or dependent of a permanent resident, Canadian citizen, temporary worker, or student already living in Canada, you might be eligible for an Open Work Permit. This is not just for those applying within Canada (inland sponsorship) or with a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV). Even if you’re applying from outside Canada (outland sponsorship), you can now get an open work permit to work in Canada and be with your family.
This measure includes spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children over 18 years old.
The IRCC is determined to process all spousal sponsorship applications within a reasonable time of 12 months. This shows Canada’s strong commitment to bringing families together and making the immigration process smoother for eligible applicants.
Eligibility for Open Work Permits
According to IRCC guidelines, family members who possess a valid temporary resident status, maintain their status, or are eligible for restoration and have the same residential address as their sponsor in Canada during the open work permit application may qualify for this work permit.
IRCC’s public policy outlines that officers may grant open work permits to foreign nationals who fulfill either of the following conditions:
- The foreign national is:
- The principal applicant with a submitted 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, accepted for processing by IRCC.
- The subject of a sponsorship application submitted by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common-law or conjugal partner.
- Has submitted a work permit application for a maximum duration of two years.
- Has a valid temporary resident status in Canada or is eligible for and has applied for restoration of status.
- The foreign national is:
- A dependent child 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 during the open work permit application.
- Has valid temporary resident status in Canada or is eligible for and has applied for restoration of status.
Canada’s Commitment to Family Reunification
This measure, announced on May 26 by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, aligns with Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification. Alongside open work permits for outland spousal sponsorship, additional family reunification measures have been implemented:
- Faster processing times for spousal applicants’ temporary resident visas (TRVs).
- Introduction of dedicated processing tools for spousal TRV applicants.
- Open work permit extensions for open work permit holders expiring between August 1st and the end of 2023.
Fraser stated that IRCC is dedicated to reuniting families swiftly, enabling them to work and support themselves expeditiously upon arrival. This approach aims to help newcomers realize their full potential while contributing to Canada’s economy and social fabric.
Contact Canadian Immigration Experts
Jane Katkova & Associates – Canadian Immigration, Global Mobility Experts are Canadian Immigration Experts. To find out more about TEER, contact us. Call us now at +1 (416) 661-4487 or fill out a contact form.
