March 5, 2019

Work Permit Pilot Extended for in-Canada Family Class Spouses and Common-Law Partners

On 30 January 2019 the Government of Canada announced that it is extending the open work permit pilot for spouses and common-law partners applying for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class until July 31, 2020.

To be eligible for an open work permit under the pilot, you must be living in Canada and be sponsored under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class by your spouse or partner. You must have valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student or worker) and live at the same address as your sponsor.

Extension of this pilot project is a recognition that families’ integration outcomes are improved when applicants are able to work, provide for their families and contribute to the Canadian economy while waiting for their applications for permanent residence to be processed.

If you are submitting a new application, you may submit an application for work permit together with the sponsorship application, along with an application for permanent residence.

If you have already submitted an application for permanent residence but have not yet applied for an open work permit, you can submit application for work permit separately, along with appropriate fees.

If you were provided with a work permit under the initial pilot, you must apply for a work permit extension before your status in Canada lapses.