When a sponsorship application is being processed, can a spouse or partner work?

Can you work in Canada while your sponsorship application is being processed if you plan to immigrate to Canada and sponsor a partner? The answer is yes, but the rules and requirements differ for those who already have a Permanent Residency (PR). 

What are the rules and requirements for sponsorship application?

• If your partner is looking forward to work while you are processing your sponsorship application, you must first apply for an open work permit for her. 
• You must prove that you have sufficient income or assets to support your spouse or partner upon arrival in Canada. 
• You cannot receive social assistance from the federal states or file bankruptcy proceedings.

What is an open work permit for a spouse? 

An open work permit is one of many work permits that allow foreign workers to work legally in Canada. This will enable foreigners to work for any number of employers in various locations in Canada. It also allows you to move between employers, professions, jobs and backgrounds within Canada. Admission requirements and sponsorship application processes vary according to individual circumstances. Please note that applicants must wait until they receive an open work permit before applying for a job. 

Open Work Permit for spouse Eligibility Criteria in sponsorship application: 

• We apply for permanent spouse sponsorship or domestic partner sponsorship. 
• Applicant and Sponsor must reside at the same address. 
• Applicants must have valid temporary residency status as visitors, students, or workers. 
• Sponsorships for spouses and families must meet all eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for a spouse open work permit?

You can apply for an open work permit regardless of whether your spouse or partner has previously used it for permanent residence. So, if your spouse or partner has not yet applied for permanent residency, mail all applications (sponsorship, permanent residency, open work permit) to her in one envelope to the Case Processing Center in Mississauga, Ontario. I can do it. 

If your spouse or partner has already applied for permanent residence or has not yet applied, you must wait for confirmation of receipt. Upon receiving the Open Work Permit, you can apply online. When creating her online account, applicants must answer a few questions to receive a personalized document checklist. Next, the applicant must complete the application form and upload the required documents.

How long does it take the IRCC to spouse open work permit processing time? 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it aims to have common service standards to handle most operations by the end of the year. At the time of writing, the IRCC takes an average of 158 days to process domestic work permit applications submitted online and 149 days to process paper-based domestic work permit applications.