Canada Eases Open Work Permit Rules for In-Canada Spousal & Family Class Applicants

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News Update: Open Work Permits Simplified for Spouses & Family Class Applicants in Canada (November 20, 2025)

Canada has updated its program delivery policy for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children in Canada applying for permanent residency under the SCLPC or family class. These changes make it easier to apply for or extend an open work permit while waiting for residency approval.

What’s New?

• New Sections Added:
  • Extensions: Spousal/family class applicants can now extend open work permits under administrative code A74 for up to two more years.
  • Useful Links: IRCC published handy resources for applicants and sponsors.
  • Clarified eligibility and documentation requirements for work permit applications and renewals.

Key Updates Explained

1. Who Can Apply In Canada?

• Applicants must:
  • Be physically in Canada.
  • Have valid, maintained, or restored temporary resident status (such as visitor, worker, or student).
  • Have submitted a complete permanent residence application (as principal or dependent child) via the SCLPC (spouse or common-law partner in Canada) class or family class.
  • Be living at the same address as their Canadian sponsor.
• Open to dependent minors too, if listed in the PR application.

2. You Must Apply Correctly

• Apply online via IRCC Secure Account—applications via the Permanent Residence Portal are NOT eligible.
• If you have a disability or technical barrier, you may apply by paper, braille, or large print.
• Applications at the border or on entry are NOT allowed—must already be officially in Canada.

3. Fast-Track for Those Out of Status

• If your work or study permit/status will expire in 2 weeks or less and you’ve applied for PR, you can submit for an open work permit even before getting your PR application’s Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

4. Approved/Refused Applications

• Approved open work permits are valid for a maximum of 24 months or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Fees: $155 application fee + $100 open permit fee. Biometrics ($85) required unless exempt.
• If refused, only the open work permit holder fee is refunded—not the processing fee.

5. Extensions – Now Easier

• As long as the PR application is still being processed (and you haven’t had a final negative decision or eligibility refusal), you can extend your current A74 open work permit for another 2 years.

6. For Dependent Children

• No hard minimum age—minors may qualify for open work permits at parental discretion.
• Must meet the dependent child definition and be included in the PR application.

7. Genuine Relationship Essential

• Officers will verify that your relationship is genuine, not for immigration convenience.
• May request additional documents to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage/common-law partnership.

Focus on Genuine Relationships

IRCC officers will review every application to confirm relationships are legitimate, not just for immigration benefits. They may request additional evidence if doubts arise. Submissions from minor dependent children are possible, with working age determined by provincial law and family discretion.

Permit Extensions – Stay Secure While Awaiting PR

With PR processing timelines sometimes extending over a year, the new update allows work permit holders to extend under administrative code A74 for another 24 months, provided no final or eligibility refusal has occurred. This ensures spouses, partners, and children don’t lose their work rights—even during lengthy application reviews.

What if an Application is Refused?

If your open work permit is refused, only the $100 open work permit holder fee is refunded; the main $155 processing fee is forfeited. Officers are required to clearly explain any refusal, particularly if the relationship is judged not to be genuine.

Why Is This Important?

This new policy extension gives peace of mind and financial security to spouses, partners, and children awaiting permanent residency by letting them work legally and renew open work permits during long PR processing times. It improves family unity and integration—and keeps Canadian employers and communities thriving.

Canada’s 2025 update removes uncertainty—and now, more families can stay together and move forward while their permanent residency applications are in process.

If you have questions about your application or eligibility, connect with an immigration consultant or visit the official IRCC website for the latest updates.

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