Spouses, and dependents of permanent residents, Canadian citizens, temporary workers, and students already in the country may now be eligible for an Open Work Permit.
This is due to the fact that family reunification has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy, promoting social cohesion and fostering a sense of belonging for newcomers.
In line with this vision, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a significant new measure aimed at bringing families together.
This progressive step represents a pivotal shift in immigration regulations, as it extends the scope of open work permits to include applicants from outside Canada, making it possible for more families to reunite.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the new measure and its impact on family reunification.
Expansion of the Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Permits
Prior to this new measure, open work permits were primarily available to individuals who were either inland sponsors or already residing in Canada on a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV).
However, this limited access sometimes created hardships for families seeking reunification when the sponsored family member was located outside the country.
Recognizing this gap, the IRCC has now broadened the eligibility criteria, allowing family members applying from outside Canada to be eligible for open work permits as well.
In addition, the expanded eligibility encompasses a range of family members, defined as spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children over 18 years old.
This inclusive definition ensures that a wider spectrum of familial relationships is considered in the reunification process, acknowledging the diverse family structures that exist in our globalized world.
What Are the Impacts of Family Reunification and Open Work Permit?
Family reunification can lead to increased workforce participation among newcomers, as they can focus on their integration into the Canadian society and the labor market without the stress of being separated from their loved ones.
According to the Conference Board of Canada, it’s found that newcomers who reunite with their families through the open work permit measure have a 15% higher employment rate compared to those who arrive without their families.
Also, by recognizing common-law partners and conjugal partners as eligible for open work permits, the new measure ensures that a broader range of familial relationships can now benefit from family reunification. This promotes inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the changing nature of families today.
The number of open work permits issued to common-law and conjugal partners has increased by 20% since the measure’s implementation.
With the inclusion of outland sponsorship in the open work permit eligibility, the waiting time for reunification is expected to significantly decrease, reducing the emotional and economic burden on families.
This is considerably better as compared to before the new measure’s implementation. In which the sponsored family members residing outside of Canada often had to wait for an extended period before joining their loved ones.
According to IRCC data, the average waiting time for outland sponsorship has decreased by 35% since the introduction of the open work permit measure.
Then by recognizing common-law partners and conjugal partners as eligible for open work permits, the new measure ensures that a broader range of familial relationships can now benefit from family reunification. This promotes inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the changing nature of families today.
The number of open work permits issued to common-law and conjugal partners has increased by 20% since the measure’s implementation.
The availability of open work permits for eligible family members can lead to better integration outcomes for newcomers. According to research, individuals who have social and familial support are more likely to adapt successfully to their new environment, leading to reduced reliance on social assistance and increased community engagement.
Recent statistics also indicate that newcomers who reunite with their families through the open work permit measure have a 25% lower likelihood of relying on social assistance within their first year of arrival.
Acknowledging the Urgency of Family Reunification
Canada is committed to expediting the processing of spousal sponsorship applications. The goal is to complete these applications within a 12-month timeframe, aiming to minimize the time families spend apart during the reunification process.
By streamlining and accelerating the sponsorship process, the IRCC reaffirms its dedication to facilitating strong family ties and fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Canada’s commitment to family reunification as a fundamental aspect of its immigration policy is evident in the introduction of the new measure to grant open work permits to eligible family members. The government has taken a significant stride toward strengthening family ties and promoting the integration of newcomers.
As the IRCC works diligently to process spousal sponsorship applications within a 12-month timeframe, it demonstrates its dedication to realizing the importance of family unity for the successful settlement of newcomers.
This progressive immigration policy reaffirms Canada’s position as a welcoming nation that values the bonds of family and recognizes the potential of diverse contributions from all members of society, regardless of their country of origin.
As the implementation of this measure unfolds, it is expected to foster a more inclusive and interconnected society, benefiting both newcomers and the nation as a whole.
How Does Canada's New Open Work Permit Measures Benefit Filipinos?
Studying abroad has been among the latest trends of Filipinos that aim to be successful abroad. This is because taking further studies in a foreign country that has the capacity to maximize their acquired skills allows them to achieve career success in the shortest time.
It is fortunate that the new measure of granting Open Work Permits makes investing in further studies abroad more worthwhile. The new measure can essentially bring significant benefits to Filipino international students and immigrants.
For thousands of Filipino international students studying in Canada, the new measure allows their spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to obtain an Open Work Permit.
This means that most Filipino international students pursuing education can now let their family members join them in Canada. Then their family members can eventually find work, allowing for a more cohesive and supportive family unit.
This also may result in providing additional financial support to Filipino international students. While the student focuses on their studies, their spouse or partner can work, contributing to the family’s income and reducing the financial burden associated with studying abroad.
After completing their studies, Filipino international students often seek opportunities to stay and work in Canada.
With the Open Work Permit measure, their spouses can continue working while the student transitions to a post-graduation work permit or explores other immigration pathways.
This alone can improve the chances of the student finding a job in Canada and potentially becoming eligible for permanent residency.
Moreover, one of the things that’s stopping Filipinos from pursuing further studies abroad is the distance and separation from their families. The presence of family members through the Open Work Permit measure provides valuable social and emotional support to Filipino international students and immigrants.
Canada hopes to encourage immigrants to bring their families with them while pursuing a better career in their country. After all, having a supportive family in a foreign country can significantly enhance their well-being – helping them navigate the challenges of living in a new country and culture.
The Open Work Permit measure for family members positively impacts Filipino international students and immigrants by fostering family reunification, providing financial stability, supporting smoother settlement and integration, and enhancing social and emotional well-being.
Are you thinking about bringing your family while you study abroad?
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