Are you sponsoring your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence? You might be pleased to know your partner has a chance to work in Canada while waiting for their application to be processed.

Once you've submitted your sponsorship application for permanent residence (PR), your loved one can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP). This work permit allows them to work legally for most employers in Canada, making it easier for them to settle in.

Eligibility is a key factor! To qualify for an OWP, your partner must be living in Canada with you, be in a genuine relationship, and have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Whether your partner currently holds a temporary status in Canada or not can change the approach they need to take for their OWP application. This means you should check their status to determine the best course of action.

Isn’t it great to know that while you navigate the sponsorship process together, your partner can secure employment to aid your new life in Canada?