Open Spousal Work Permit Requirements

An Open Work Permit is one that essentially allows the holder to work for any employer of their choice. This type of work permit is typically attached to another application, like an in-land spousal sponsorship.

Applicants who submit a Spousal Sponsorship may qualify for an Open Work Permit provided they meet the basic criteria and have obtained what is known as approval in principle. Approval, in principle, means that the sponsor has been assessed and found to be eligible to sponsor his spouse or Common Law Partner in Canada.

Not all applications receive approval in principle; however, those who do will receive notification from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to this effect. Those who do indeed receive the notification can use this to apply for an open work permit.

Akrami & Associates can help! Contact us to find out how we can help you reach your immigration goals!

Open work permits allow holders to work in any job with any employer. An Open Work Permit also means that they may be hired without the employer having to obtain an LMO. Certain jobs may require medical checks or licensing from professional organizations. Accompanying family members’ work permits will be valid for no longer than the duration of your own work permit.

When applying for your open spousal work permit, you are basically submitting a normal application for a work permit with some modifications in information.

Note there are other applicable application types that would allow for an applicant (or their dependants) to qualify for an open work permit. Here are some examples of such application types:

• Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada class
• ive-in Caregiver Program
• ederal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds

You may also be eligible if you are a family member of someone whose application for permanent residence has been approved under one of the above.

• Your spouse is
  • a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A or B ,
  • a foreign student