IRCC Unveils 5-Step Process for Spouses of Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined a five-step process for spouses and common-law partners of international students to apply for open work permits. This type of permit allows holders to work for virtually any employer across Canada, with the exception of those listed as non-compliant on IRCC's ineligibility register.

The process begins with preparation, requiring applicants to have electronic copies of their documents and a valid credit or debit card for fees. Applicants must read the official instruction guide before filling out forms to minimize errors.

The third step involves using an online tool to generate a personalized document checklist. Fees are addressed in the fourth step, with payment collected at the end of the process.

Finally, applicants must create or log into an IRCC online account to pay fees, submit their application, and track its status. IRCC has also flagged a technical issue affecting the online application portal and provided workaround instructions.