Sponsorship Applications Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on a number of varying factors, and the answer is simply not a yes or no. If your sponsored Common Law Partner wants to work in Canada, they must apply for their own work permit. Normally, they must meet the same requirements that you do.

In most cases, your spouse or Common Law Partner must apply for a work permit for a specific job. The employer may have to get a Labour Market Opinion from human resources and skills development Canada, and a formal application will need to be made.

However, your sponsored Common Law Partner may be able to apply for what is known as an open work permit, based on your status in Canada and what the type of application submitted, which would allow them to exert any job with any employer in Canada.

If your spouse or common-law partners are able to obtain an Open Work Permit based on your status in Canada, it is typically valid for as long as your status is in Canada. Please note, for the inland Spousal Sponsorship applications, if the applicant as qualify for first need approval, they are considered eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit as well.

Who can apply for an open work permit?

To be eligible for an open work permit, you must be one of the following criteria:

• You already working in Canada, and your application for permanent residence has been approved under various categories
• Your spouse as a skilled worker in occupation under the national occupation classification skilled level A, B or 0
• You are in Canada under a Federal provincial-territorial immigration agreement
• You are a full-time student enrolled at an eligible publicly funded post-secondary educational institution
• You have a Temporary Resident Permit valid for at least six months
• You are participating in the Canada world youth program more international experience Canada
• You file the claim to refugee protection in Canada, and you’re waiting for the refugee protection division to make a decision
• Your family member of a foreign worker in Canada
• Your PR application has been approved “in principle”
• You’re a professional athlete allowed to enter Canada and need to do other work to support yourself while playing for a Canadian team