ca facilitating the application of visiting visas for family members

Immigration Canada is also launching a new initiative to issue open work permits to visa applicants for spouses and dependent children who have temporary resident status.

Spouses and dependents can apply for and receive an open work permit as soon as they apply for permanent residency under the Spouse and Life Partner Sponsorship Group (SPCLC) or other family group programs.

• Previously, only domestic Spouse Sponsorship Program applicants were allowed to obtain open work permits. Now those who apply from outside of Canada can also get a work permit again.

Finally, starting June 7, open work permit holders whose current work permit expires between August 1 and the end of 2023 will be able to extend their work permit for 18 months using a free, streamlined process. The move will currently affect 25,000 people in Canada. These individuals will include spouses and dependents of most temporary workers, spouses of international students and permanent resident applicants and their spouses/dependents who are awaiting finalization of permanent residency.