According to Maple News, foreign nationals being sponsored for permanent residence by their Canadian spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit (OWP), allowing them to live and work in Canada while their immigration application is being processed.
This opportunity is available under Canada’s spousal sponsorship program, provided the applicant is physically in Canada with valid temporary resident status (e.g. as a visitor, student, or worker) or is covered by a relevant public policy. The open work permit not only enables the sponsored person to begin working almost immediately, but it also grants temporary legal status in Canada while awaiting a decision on the permanent residence application—a process that can take a year or more.
An open work permit is especially helpful because it is not tied to any single employer, meaning the holder can work for virtually any company across Canada. Exceptions apply to certain occupations that require a medical assessment, such as childcare, healthcare, and education-related roles.
There are two main routes to spousal sponsorship in Canada: inland and outland. Inland sponsorship refers to cases where the spouse or partner is already living in Canada with the sponsor. This pathway allows applicants to simultaneously apply for the sponsorship and the open work permit, offering a streamlined and practical solution for couples living together.
Outland sponsorship is typically used when the spouse or partner is living outside Canada. However, applicants can still use this pathway even if they are visiting Canada temporarily. In such cases, they may apply for a visitor visa first, come to Canada, and later submit an open work permit application once in the country. This approach allows them to stay united with their sponsor while also gaining work eligibility.
Importantly, the flexibility of the spousal open work permit enhances the applicant’s integration into Canadian society, contributing economically and socially during the waiting period, rather than facing prolonged separation or financial uncertainty.
Maple News advises couples considering spousal sponsorship to assess which pathway— inland or outland — best suits their situation, as rules and timelines can vary. However, both avenues now allow a smoother transition to life in Canada, with the open work permit serving as a key support mechanism in the immigration journey.
Whether applying inland or outland, the open work permit helps families stay together and helps newcomers begin building their lives in Canada without delay.