Updated on February 9, 2026 by canadian immigration experts
Canada Expands Family Sponsorship With An Open Work Permits for Outland Applications
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.
- 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
- 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.
Contact Canadian Immigration Experts
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