Now that you have migrated to Canada, you can bring your spouse along with you. This is because having your spouse can lead to an increase in your points. At times, the husband moves on a student visa, and the wife applies for an open work permit.
Because you never know when your other half has been assigned for either work or study. The benefit that comes with a spousal work permit, is that you can work anywhere and with any employer. This is just the opposite of what an employer-specific work permit is.
Many of those who come as temporary workers can suggest their spouses apply for this kind of permit. This applies to those who have undergone their Canada PR eligibility check and have become residents.
Who can apply for the Spousal Open Work Permit? Let us find out!
a) Those people who have applied before to be sponsored by their husbands or wives can apply for this permit.
b) If your spouse is in Canada either on a work or a study permit are eligible to apply for a spouse open work permit.
c) Should be in a genuine relationship with an eligible overseas-born principal applicant who is either a permanent resident or a citizen.
d) Have no disease (medical examination) and have police clearance certificates to show no previous criminal record.
Check out IRCC eligibility requirements for spouse open work permit
No. 1 – Those who are partners of undergraduate and college programs will no longer be qualified to apply for a Spousal Open Work permit. This is a great option if you do not qualify for the Express entry program or any of the Saskatchewan PNP requirements.
No. 2 – From 19th March only the spouses of overseas students enrolled in Masters or doctoral degree programs will be allowed to apply for spouse open work permits. This should be pursued through a polytechnic institute or university of Canada.
No. 3 – If you are a spouse of international undergraduate students in the professional degree programs you are still qualified for this permit. Here are some of the programs which are exceptions:
a) Doctor of Medicine (MD)
b) Doctor of Optometry (OD)
c) Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
d) Veterinary Medicine Doctor (DVM)
e) Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
f) Bachelors of Science in Nursing
No. 4 – Provide all the necessary documents which establish their relationship with the student in question. Your Letter of acceptance should be coming from what is known as a Designated Learning Institution.
No. 5 – If you have applied before 19th March for a spouse open work permit, you are still qualified if you have a partner who has a valid study permit. They also should be eligible to apply for a Post Graduation work permit.
No. 6 – You need to obtain an enrollment letter from your the DLI of your spouse
No. 7 – Transcripts coming from the current program of their spouse.
No. 8 – As a partner or the spouse of an overseas student, in case you are not qualified for Spouse Open work permit visa you can apply for an alternative work permit. They also have an option to apply for a visitor visa. But if you come as a visitor then keep in mind that you will not be allowed to work.
Processing time for Spouse open work permit
Your open work permit is not like scoring for eligibility through 67 points calculator 2024. For this kind of work permit it can take around 3 to 4 months in total. But that depends on how complex your case is going to be.
If all your documents are in order and there are no missing details on them, your processing will get easier. Unless you hire really smart immigration consultants.
Can you apply for your spouse open work permit visa to be extended?
Since the open work permit of a spouse is attached with their other half. In case there is an expiry of their permit, there is no validity of their open work permit as well, since they are tied to each other.
Based on the status of the permit of your spouse you can even re-apply for this visa.
Total fees to apply for a Spousal Open work permit
The open spouse work permit for your spouse is from $155 to $255 CAD. This is mainly the processing cost of the application. The open work permit fee of the holder can be up to $100 CAD.
Documents required to apply for a Spousal Open work permit
1. A letter containing an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
2. If it is applicable than a Provincial Nomination certificate
3. Application forms should be completed
4. Proof of status when you are living in Canada
5. Proof that you have an authentic relationship with Canada
6. Marriage certificate to show your true status of relation between both the partners
7. Copies of your passport which is valid
8. Exam results of medical in case there is a request
9. Relation with the main applicant
10. Show proof that you have made a payment for government fees.
Conclusion
If your spouse has not passed their Canada PR eligibility check, their open work permit is a great option for them to come and find work. After this, they can even apply for permanent residency. Just keep in mind some of these changes by IRCC, so that you do not apply with wrong knowledge.