Open Work Permit Pilot Program for Sponsored Spouses and Common-Law Partners

Open Work Permit Pilot Program for Sponsored Spouses and Common-Law Partners Extended to December, 2017

The Government of Canada has extended a pilot program that enables foreign nationals living in Canada who have applied to immigrate as a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to work while they are waiting for the application to be processed. The Open Work Permit Pilot Program, which was originally set to expire on December 22, 2016, has been extended until December 21, 2017

Immigration Minister has announced that as of December 7, 2016, IRCC aims to process spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months.