Temporary Foreign Workers
Spouses of temporary foreign workers may also be able to get an open work permit. The temporary foreign worker has to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a work permit that will be valid for six months after the open spousal work permit is received, among others.
The foreign worker also has to meet one of four conditions:
- Working in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level of 0, A, or B;
- Working in any occupation when accepted to an Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) stream;
- Working in any occupation holding a provincial or territorial nomination from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP); or
- Working in any occupation and holding a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). There are also further program-specific criteria that must be met depending on the temporary foreign worker’s situation.
Finally, spouses of international students may be able to get an open work permit if they can demonstrate to the government that they are in a genuine relationship, and that the international student is enrolled in an eligible program.
Permanent residency applicants
Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) allow people who have applied for permanent residence to remain in Canada while waiting for a decision on their application.
The following immigration programs are eligible for a BOWP:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Quebec Skilled Workers
- Agri-Food Pilot Program
The BOWP makes it so foreign nationals do not have to leave their jobs or country if their temporary status expires before their permanent residence application is processed. It also means employers do not have to get an LMIA-based work permit in order to keep their foreign employee.
