IRCC Clarifies Open Work Permit Eligibility for Families

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released guidance detailing which family members of foreign workers in Canada can apply for open work permits. The eligible family members include the spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and grandchildren of the foreign worker.

Notably, other relatives such as parents and siblings do not qualify under this program. The application process incurs fees of CA$155 (N144,362.97) for the work permit and CA$100 (N93,133.33) for the open work permit holder fee, totaling CA$255 (N237,490) per applicant.

Processing times for applications can vary, and applicants are encouraged to check current timelines before submission. This policy provides a structured pathway for spouses, children, and grandchildren of foreign workers already in Canada to obtain the right to work without being tied to a specific employer.