Federal Government in Canada had made an update in its open work permit pilot for sponsored spouse and common-law partners, in January this year. Under this, it has extended the open work permit for people living in Canada in the process of applying for permanent residence under the spouse or the common-law partner in Canada Class. According to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the open work permit pilot program was earlier set to expire on January 31, 2019. It is now extended uptil July 31, 2020.
This was the fourth time when IRCC had extended the open work permit pilot since it was introduced in 2014. The extended permit allows eligible spouses and common-law partners who are living in Canada to apply for an open work permit. It is also eligible for the spouse being sponsored by Canadian citizens or permanent residents under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC).
The open work permit is not restricted to a specific job or employer except employment in childcare and healthcare that is needed to obtain the required medical clearance. In order to be eligible, they must have a valid temporary resident status such as visitor visa, Canada student visa, or work visa. And they must also live at the same address where the sponsor lives.
IRCC said in a published update, “Canada recognizes that when families can work while living together, their integration outcomes are improved. Extending this pilot ensures applicants are able to work, provide for their families and contribute to the Canadian economy while waiting for their permanent resident applications to be processed.”
