In Canada, spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents have the opportunity to obtain an open work permit while their sponsorship application for permanent residence is being processed. This initiative, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in May 2023, facilitates family reunification and allows sponsored individuals to work for any employer in Canada, enabling them to financially support themselves and their families during the application process.
Spousal Sponsorship Criteria:
To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, the sponsoring individual must prove the authenticity of their relationship under one of the following categories:
Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor.
Common-law partner: Living together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
Conjugal partner: In a continuous and committed relationship for at least 12 months with significant obstacles preventing cohabitation, such as cultural or immigration barriers.
Sponsors commit to providing financial support, including housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses not covered by public health insurance, for a period of three years from the sponsored person’s permanent residency approval.
Eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permit:
Candidates applying for an open work permit must meet the following criteria:
Principal applicant in a permanent residence application under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
Submission of a work permit application for a maximum of two years.
Subject of a sponsorship application submitted by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner.
Same residential address as the sponsor in Canada at the time of the application.
Valid temporary resident status in Canada or eligibility for status restoration.
Canada’s Family Reunification Measures:
Along with the introduction of open work permits, IRCC implemented several measures to expedite family reunification, including:
Faster processing times for temporary resident visas for spousal applicants.
Dedicated processing tools for spousal visa applications.
Open work permit extensions for permit holders expiring between August 1st and the end of 2023.
These initiatives reflect Canada’s commitment to efficiently reunite families, allowing them to work and contribute to the country while strengthening its economy. The spousal visa program not only fosters family unity but also enables newcomers to realize their potential in Canada.
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