Canada’s federal government has extended a pilot program that allows spouses and common-law partners who are in the country and the subject of immigration applications to apply for a temporary work permit.
The pilot was due to expire in December 2016, but has now been extended to December 21, 2017.
The program is designed to allow spouses and partners to work while their immigration applications are being finalized.
Eligible candidates must be in Canada and in the process of being sponsored for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner class. Candidates must also have valid temporary status as a visitor, student or worker.
Applying for a Spousal Work Permit
- Those who have already submitted a permanent residence application can complete a form for the special work permit online, before mailing it to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville at the following address:
CPC – Vegreville
WP – Unit 777
6212–55 Avenue
Vegreville, AB
T9C 1X6
- Those who have already been approved in principle for permanent residence without passing medical, security and background checks can apply online.
- Those who have a work permit under the initial pilot will need to apply for an extension.
- Those submitting a new application for permanent residence can apply for the work permit at the same time. Send both completed applications to one of the following addresses:
By mail:
In-Canada Sponsorship
CPC – Mississauga
PO Box 5040, Station B
Mississauga, ON
L5A 3A4
By courier:
Case Processing Centre – Mississauga
2 Robert Speck Parkway, Suite 300
Mississauga, ON
L4Z 1H8
The Canadian federal government has introduced a new 12-month standard processing time for family reunification immigration applications.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made a concerted effort to reduce processing times since the Liberal government came to power.
After successfully reducing the wait by 15 per cent for in-Canada applicants and 10 per cent for those applying from outside, now the immigration department says it will get most applications processed inside a year, although it admits complex cases will require more time.
“We have listened to Canadians and are delivering results. Bringing families together makes for a stronger Canada,” said Immigration Minister John McCallum.
“Canadians who marry someone from abroad shouldn’t have to wait for years to have them immigrate or be left with uncertainty in terms of their ability to stay. What we’re announcing today is a more efficient, more considerate process to reunite families.”
The government made clear that those applications already in the system will not have to wait another 12 months. They will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
Read more news about Canada Immigration by clicking here.