An integral aspect of family-class immigration efforts is spousal permits. A partner would be recognised through marriage or common law. Sponsored Spousal permits are divided into 2 subcategories, inland and outland applications. Criteria for these visas are dependent on the sponsors' status in Canada and their financial stance.

An inland spousal application refers to a foreign national in Canada on a sponsored visa to sponsor their partner to join them for their term of work, this is a Spousal Open Work permit. To enable economic ease and emotional burden, these permits can be valid for 2 years or until the permit holder’s passport expires. An open-work permit does allow restrictions on the type of work.

An outland spousal visa applies to a Canadian resident wanting to sponsor their partner living abroad for permanent residency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allow sponsored spouses and common-law partners to apply for an open work permit, ranging to 12 months as a temporary solution before a residency permit is issued.

A spousal permit is one solution, ideally, the Federal Skilled Workers program is the pathway one should aim for. Due to the labour market shortage, candidates can secure a work permit while waiting for the Express Entry outcome. Exposing yourself to both the work opportunities as well as the express entry will favour one's timeline for getting to Canada.

In light of the express entry, if only one partner is skilled the other partner can still benefit from the main applicant's comprehensive ranking score (CRS) by completing an English test and getting their qualifications recognised. In short, it is highly recommended to include a partner in your application either Federal skilled workers or work permit pathways.

At New World Immigration, we guide families through the process and assist with exposure to job markets. We offer a free assessment in an ethical approach to clarify your options before deciding on the investment and pathway for your future.