Spouses and common-law partners of Canadians or Permanent Residents can get an open work permit while their inland sponsorship application for permanent residence is being processed.

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An open work permit is neither employer nor job-specific and it allows the holder to work for almost any Canadian employer, without first having to obtain a confirmed offer of employment. These work permits are typically valid for two years or to the date of the applicant’s passport expiry date, whichever comes first.

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In order to be issued an open work permit, the following criteria must be met:

• A permanent residence application must be submitted under the Spousal/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program;

• The applicant must reside at the same address as the sponsor (spouse/common-law partner);

• The applicant must have valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker); and

• The applicant and the sponsor must meet all eligibility requirements under spousal or common-law partner sponsorship.

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