In a significant move toward facilitating family reunification and assisting immigrants, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled an innovative policy.
This policy opens doors for spouses, partners, and dependents of permanent residents, citizens, temporary workers, and students in Canada to apply for an open work permit.
Open Work Permit for Family Members
Under this new policy, individuals attaining Canadian citizenship and permanent residency can apply for an open work permit for their spouse, partner, or dependent children. The primary objective is to enable family members to contribute to the Canadian workforce during the processing of their sponsorship application for permanent residence.
Implications and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants can now work for any employer in Canada while their application is being processed, providing financial support for their families. Importantly, the requirement to wait for an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) before applying for an open work permit has been eliminated. Spouses, partners, and dependents can apply as soon as they submit a full application for permanent residence.
Application Process
To participate in the Open Work Permit Program, individuals must apply online. Simultaneously, sponsors seeking to support their family members for permanent residence must submit sponsorship applications. The streamlined process aligns with IRCC’s commitment to efficiency and accessibility in immigration procedures.
Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship is integral to Canada’s immigration system, promoting family reunification and fostering a diverse society. Sponsored individuals gain eligibility for benefits enjoyed by Canadian citizens upon becoming permanent residents, including healthcare, education, and social services.
Extension of Open Work Permits
Open work permits set to expire between August 1 and the end of 2023 have been extended. This extension offers additional support and flexibility for individuals awaiting the processing of their permanent residency applications.
Encouragement and Note
The announcement encourages eligible individuals to leverage this new policy, contributing to the Canadian economy while building a brighter future for their families. Applicants should be aware that this is a new policy, and processing times may vary. Meeting eligibility requirements is crucial, and seeking professional guidance from an immigration consultant is recommended for any questions or assistance with the application.
IRCC’s Commitment to Family Unity and Inclusive Opportunities
The introduction of these policies by IRCC underscores Canada’s dedication to fostering family unity, supporting immigrants, and creating inclusive opportunities in the Canadian workforce.