The open work permit pilot for applicants who are spouses and common-law partners in Canada (SCLPC) class, which was introduced in 2014 and was set to expire this past January, has been extended until January 31, 2020.
Under this pilot program, SCLPC applicants are not required to wait until the first stage approvals are complete before applying for an open work permit.
An open work permit allows a person to work for any employer in Canada without first having a confirmed offer of employment.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for an open work permit, the following requirements must be met:
- The sponsorship application has been submitted;
- The applicant is currently living in Canada at the same address as the sponsor, that means the permanent residence application must be submitted under Spouse/ Common-Law Partner Sponsorship in Canada Class;
- The applicant has valid temporary resident status as a visitor, student or worker, or is eligible to restore her temporary resident status and has submitted the restoration application with the application for permanent residence.
The work permit application under Open Work Permit Pilot can be submitted at the same time as the sponsorship application, along with the application for permanent residence.
Individuals who have a work permit obtained through the initial pilot should apply for a work permit extension before their current permit expires.
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