Canada is making the Open Work Permit Pilot Project (OWPP) a permanent program so that spouses and common-law partners of Canadians can continue to work while awaiting permanent resident status.
The program started in December 2014 and was scheduled to expire on July 31 after its most recent extension. Instead of setting another expiration date, Canada is now extending the program until regulatory changes are completed to implement the pilot as a permanent policy.
The updated Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) webpage states that family reunification is a “fundamental immigration priority for the Government of Canada.”
The OWPP applies to spousal and common-law sponsorship applicants. Domestic sponsorship is for couples who are already living together in Canada. The partner applying for immigration must already have temporary status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.
Foreign partners of Canadians can apply for the open work permit at any time after applying for permanent residence through family sponsorship. Openwork permits are not tied to specific employers, which means they allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada as long as they meet the qualifications for the occupation.
To be eligible for an OWPP, applicants for immigration must meet the following requirements:
- Apply for permanent residence under the common-law partner category;
- Have a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident spouse or common-law partner who has applied for sponsorship on their behalf;
- Live at the same address as their sponsor; and
- Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada or an approved application for restoration status with authorization to work.
People applying under the OWPP can apply for a work permit at the same time as their application for permanent residence.
It is also possible to submit the application for permanent residence separately if applicants have already submitted their application for permanent residence.
If applicants have already received approval in principle on their application for permanent residence, they can apply online for the OWPP. Approval in principle means that the spouse or partner has received a letter from IRCC indicating that they meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence, but that they have not yet passed the medical checks, security, and background.
People who already have the OWPP should apply to extend their licenses before they expire.