Open work permit pilot program extended for spouse or common-law partner in Canada class

Ottawa, July 30, 2020—The Government of Canada is extending the open work permit pilot for spouses and common-law partners applying for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class until the regulatory changes come into force to permanently implement this policy.

Support for families is a priority for the Government, and these measures ensure that applicants have the opportunity to work and contribute to the economy. The extension of these measures provides certainty and stability to spouses and common-law partners in Canada who are awaiting their permanent resident status.

The open work permits are limited to applicants living in Canada who have submitted an application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class, and who have temporary resident status or are eligible to restore their temporary resident status (as a visitor, student or worker) and live at the same address as their sponsor.

If you were provided with a work permit under the initial pilot, you must apply for a work permit extension before your status in Canada lapses.

Submitting an application

If you are submitting a new application, you may submit a work permit application at the same time as your sponsorship application, along with an application for permanent residence. You must include the appropriate fees, and send all completed applications together. Applications must be sent by mail or courier only.

By mail

By courier

If you have already submitted an application for permanent residence but have not yet applied for an open work permit, you can complete the work permit application. Send your completed application, along with the appropriate fee, to:

If you already have approval in principle for your permanent residence application

If you have already received approval in principle on your permanent residence application—meaning you have received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stating you meet the permanent residence eligibility requirements, but you (or your family members) have not yet passed the medical, security and background checks—you may apply for an open work permit online.

To learn more about how COVID-19 may be affecting your application, please consult the IRCC website.

For more information, visit the Help Centre. If you have a case-specific enquiry, use the IRCC web form.