Any individual holding a temporary resident visa in Canada can sponsor his / her spouse to work in Canada. This program allows spouses and common-law partners to work in Canada.An open work permit does not list a specific employer so it allows the holder to work full-time in almost any occupation in any location in Canada. An offer of employment is not required in order to apply for this type of work permit.

If the Spouse or Common-Law Partner is currently residing outside of Canada:
  • Either spouse/partner can apply to enter Canada as a visitor (depending on the country of citizenship, they may need to apply obtain a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization). If the application is approved, the spouse/partner can enter Canada as a visitor. Once in Canada as a visitor, the spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit online or by paper through the IRCC office inside of Canada. If the application is approved, an open work permit is issued and the spouse/partner can work in Canada
  • Or Spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit at a visa office outside of Canada. If the application is approved, the spouse/partner will be issued a Letter of Introduction for a Work Permit and also be issued a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (if required).Spouse/partner can enter Canada and can begin working.
If the Spouse or Common-Law Partner is currently residing in Canada:

If the spouse/partner has valid status as a visitor in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit online or by paper through the IRCC office in Canada. If the application is approved, an open work permit will be issued and the spouse/partner can begin working.

Seeking Professional Advice is Important:

Many believe TRV to be very elementary and simple and decide to apply by themselves but what is often not stressed enough is that TRV applications are the riskiest ones. The standard to be maintained is quite high in it or visa rejection chances double with minutest errors such as:

  • Misrepresentation of facts or information in the application is a leading cause of rejections; failing to add material information, failure to understand the documentation to be provided can be a few named reasons.
  • Missed deadlines – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) have timelinelaid down for submission of immigration forms and applications. Missing the deadline can lead to a rejection of your application; maintaining the submission dates, and sufficient documentation is vital to not to get your application rejected.
  • Failure to provide the correct documentation can also be a reason for the refusal of your application.
  • Criminal record – it is essential to clear all criminal and background checks in all countries where the period of residence is more than 6 months. The intent of this process is to maintain the safety of Canadian residents and ensure the safe entry of immigrants to Canada.