Canada is extending open work permits to spouses and dependants entering as temporary residents while waiting for the Family Class Sponsorship decision.
Spouses and dependants who arrive in Canada to join their sponsor as temporary residents while awaiting the processing of their Family Class sponsorship applications will be eligible to get open work permits supporting their families. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will extend the Open Work Permit facility, which was available for inland family sponsorship programs until now.
Spouses and dependent children over 18 years of age can come to Canada and get open work permits while waiting for their sponsorship application processing. Canada expects to address severe labor shortages by adopting the new temporary work permit policy, besides allowing the reunification of families. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing several measures to expedite family reunification, such as:
- Extension of open work permits
- Speeding up the processing of Temporary Resident Visa applications by spousal applicants
- Extending open work permits to family class applicants and spouses
- Exclusive processing tools to help Temporary Resident Visa applicants
Canada is battling with historic labor shortages across all industry sectors. The new initiatives have the potential to enhance work opportunities for spouses and dependent children, besides strengthening family ties.
