Canadian immigration efforts focus heavily on family unity, so sponsors are a cornerstone of family-oriented immigration. There are two types of spouse sponsorship: inland and outland. Both have similar characteristics, but they are distinct.
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Understanding The Types Of Spousal Sponsorship
Let’s focus on two key differences between inland and outland sponsorships instead of getting into details.
Sponsorship in-country means the Canadian must live with the sponsored foreign national, while sponsorship out-of-country means they can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner.
Our purposes require one more difference.
The inland spousal sponsorship stream offers foreign nationals being sponsored an open work permit while their application for PR in Canada is being processed, known as a Spousal Open Work Permit.
Spousal Open Work Permits: What Are They?
Spousal sponsorship applications are usually processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within a year.
Sponsored spouses and common-law partners who live with a Canadian partner can work for any Canadian employer until they get permanent residency.
The spousal open work permit lets you work without tying your spouse to a single employer or job, which is emotionally and economically beneficial.
With this program, you can get an open work permit without a job offer, and it lasts for two years or until your passport expires.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility
Here are the requirements for working openly:
- The spouse/common-law partner immigration program offers inland sponsorship opportunities for foreign nationals and Canadian spouses.
- Visitors, students, and workers must have valid temporary resident status in Canada to apply for work permits.
- Foreign national applicants and Canadian sponsors who meet all the requirements can sponsor their spouses or common-law partners.
Open Work Permits For Spouses: The Application Process
You must wait for an acknowledgement of receipt letter from the Immigration and Refugee Council before applying for a spouse open work permit. A foreign national can apply for an open work permit for their spouse if they receive that letter.
Here are the steps for applying for a work permit.
Step 1 – Create or sign in to an IRCC online account
Step 2 – Complete an online questionnaire to get a customized checklist
Step 3 – Complete an online application
Choose “Open Work Permit” to Q: Which type of work permit are you applying for?
Check “SCLPC OWP” under “Job Title”
Under “Brief Description of Duties,” select “Spouse and Common-Law Partner in Canada Pilot Program”
Step 4: Upload your documents.
Step 5: Submit an application.
Support For Spouses With Open Work Permits
Work permit applications can be confusing. While a work permit attorney is not required to submit a work permit application, they can provide the following assistance:
- Assisting with applications
- Make sure applicants don’t make mistakes
- Submitting government forms for an applicant
- Avoiding unnecessary delays with their expertise