The Open Work Permit is an important option available to spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have applied for permanent residence through Inland Spousal Sponsorship under the Family Class immigration program. This permit allows applicants to work for any employer in Canada while their sponsorship application is under review, helping families maintain financial stability during the processing period. Unlike employer-specific work permits, an open work permit is not restricted to a single employer or position. This added flexibility enables sponsored applicants to enter the Canadian workforce sooner, gain valuable local experience, and integrate more easily into Canadian society. It also eases financial pressure on the sponsoring partner while awaiting a final decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
The open work permit is typically issued for the duration of the applicant’s existing temporary status or until a final decision is made on their permanent residence application. In most cases, it permits full-time employment across a wide range of industries, helping applicants overcome employment restrictions commonly faced by temporary residents.
Important Considerations
This open work permit option is strictly available to Inland sponsorship applicants. Individuals applying through the Outland Sponsorship process are not eligible and may need to consider alternative options—such as maintaining status through a Visitor Visa—to remain in Canada while their application is being processed.
