Dependant Open Work Permits Canada
Dependents are the principal applicant’s spouse or common law partner, children, and their children. For Canadian immigration purposes children are under 22 years and do not have a spouse or partner, or are over 22 years old (minimum age) and have relied on their parent(s) for financial since before turning the age of 22 due to a physical or mental condition, are considered to be dependents. A principal applicant is an individual who is a temporary resident or has applied for permanent residence. Under certain programs and situations, dependents can request for an open dependent work permit Canada to accompany the applicant in Canada. Below are some of the more common dependent open work permit options and information on if you are eligible for an open work permit.
International Students
A spouse or common law partner, or family members of a student, who are valid study permit holders can apply for a dependent work permit if the student meets the following criteria:
Studying a master’s or doctoral degree program
Participating in an eligible program pilot, or
Studying in one of the following professional degree programs at a University:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
Currently, spouses or common law partners or family members of individuals under the province of Quebec pilot program ‘Le projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’infirmières et d’infirmiers recruté-e-s à l’international, can apply for a dependent work permit.
High-Skilled Worker
Spouses or common law partners, dependent children or family members of a foreign worker engaged in a high-skilled occupation can apply for a dependent open work permit if the following is met:
The principal applicant must:
Have a valid work permit, or an approval for a work permit, or an authorization to work without a work permit
Have a work permit that is valid for at least six months from when IRCC receives the dependent’s open work permit application
Be employed or will be employed in a high-skilled occupation (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities [TEER] category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification system) at the time of the dependent’s open work permit application
Live or plan to live in Canada while working
Dependents must meet the following:
Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
Be in a genuine relationship with the applicant
Have valid temporary resident status or have applied to extend their status, or have applied for restoration of their status, if they are residing in Canada.
Dependents cannot apply for a dependent open work permit if the applicant is in any of the following situations:
Made a refugee claim that was referred to the Immigration Refugee Board
Subject to an unenforceable removal order
An international student working in a co-op program
An international student working off campus without a work permit
Applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) but have not received a positive decision
Hold a spousal open work permit
Low-Skilled Worker
Spouses or common law partners, or dependent children of a foreign worker engaged in a low-skilled occupation can apply for a dependent open work permit if the following is met:
The principal applicant must:
Have a valid work permit, or an approval for a work permit, or an authorization to work without a work permit
Have a work permit that is valid for at least six months from when IRCC receives the dependent’s open work permit application
Be employed or will be employed in a high-skilled occupation (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities [TEER] category 4 or 5 of the National Occupation Classification system) at the time of the dependent’s open work permit application
Live or plan to live in Canada while working
Also, principal applicants with a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) based work permit in the agriculture or low-wage stream of the Agri-Food Pilot, must have received an acknowledgement of receipt letter from IRCC confirming that the application for permanent residence is complete. Processing time varies.
Dependents must:
Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
Be in a genuine relationship with the applicant
Have valid temporary resident status or have applied to extend their status, or have applied for restoration of their status, if they are residing in Canada
Dependents cannot apply for a dependent open work permit if the applicant is in any of the following situations:
Holds a work permit under the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Holds a work permit under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
Holds a work permit under the agricultural stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Made a refugee claim that was referred to the Immigration Refugee Board
Subject to an unenforceable removal order
An international student working in a co-op program
An international student working off campus without a work permit
Applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) but have not received a positive decision
Work Permit Holders Who Have Applied for Permanent Residence Application
Permanent residence applicants spouses, common law partners or dependent children, of foreign workers who have applied for permanent residence through an economic immigration program, can apply for a dependent open work permit if the following is met:
The principal applicant must:
Hold a valid temporary status, work permit, or are approved for a work permit
Have a work permit that is valid for at least six months from when IRCC receives the dependent’s open work permit application
Live and work in Canada or plan to live and work in Canada
Have a work permit issued or approved because of an application for permanent residency under an economic program
Have a complete permanent residence application submitted
Dependents must:
Meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
Be in a genuine relationship with the applicant
Have valid temporary resident status or have applied to extend their status, or have applied for restoration of their status, if they are residing in Canada
Why Hire AKM Law as Your Immigration Lawyers
Choosing AKM Law for your dependent open work permit ensures expert guidance from experienced immigration lawyers who provide personalized and comprehensive support throughout the process. We offer transparent, competitive pricing with various consultation options and are committed to access to justice, providing free initial consultations. Our efficient process management and client-focused approach keep you informed and involved, minimizing risks and maximizing your chances of success. Trust AKM Law for dedicated and professional service tailored to your needs.
For further information on how to apply for an open work permit and the requirements and eligibility for a dependent open work permit holders under the above situations or other programs, please contact AKM Law at 416-262-0042 or at akmlaw.ca.
