Open work permits for family members of foreign workers
Changes to eligibility
As of January 21, 2025, the eligibility requirements have changed for open work permits for family members of workers.
If you applied before January 21, 2025:
- We’ll continue to process all applications that were received before January 21, 2025.
- Applications received before January 21, 2025 will be processed under the previous eligibility criteria.
- If your open work permit was already approved and hasn’t expired, it stays valid.
Some family members of foreign workers in Canada may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
A family member is defined as a
- spouse or common-law partner
- dependent child
- dependent child of the dependent child (for example: grandchildren)
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Processing times
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Fees
Work permit fee: CA$155
Open work permit holder fee: CA$100
Page details
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