Open work permits for family members of foreign workers: When to apply

Changes have been announced for some of our temporary residence programs. Read more about the upcoming changes.

Depending on your situation, your family member may

• be able to apply for their work permit at the same time as you, either online or at the port of entry
• need to apply separately, or after arrival in Canada

Answer a few questions to find out when your family members should apply.

Your family member must apply for their work permit after you enter Canada.

Your family member can’t apply at the same time as you. They must apply separately, after you’ve applied.

Your family member needs to wait for your application to be approved.

Your family member can only apply for an open work permit after you’re approved as an International Experience Canada participant.

Your family member can apply online with you from outside Canada.

You and your family members can submit your applications as a group.

You may be able to apply as a family group at the port of entry.

If you and your family members arrive at the port of entry (POE) together, you must all be eligible to apply for a work permit upon entry.

Your family members can apply after you apply.

Your family members can apply for a work permit after you (the principal applicant) have applied for your work permit, even if they’re eligible to apply with you.

Find out what your family member needs to do to apply for an open work permit separately from you.

Your family member can apply online with you from inside Canada.

You and your family members can submit your applications as a group. Find out how family members of foreign workers can get an open work permit.

Your family member must apply for their work permit separately from you

Your family member can’t apply at the same time as you. They must apply separately, after you’ve applied.

Your family member is applying for their work permit separately from you from inside Canada.

Your family members can apply for a work permit after you (the principal applicant) extended your authorization to work without a work permit , even if they’re eligible to apply with you.

Your family member is applying online with you when you apply for your PGWP.

When you apply for your post graduation work permit (PGWP), your family member can apply online with you, if

• they’ve arrived in Canada
• they meet the requirements to apply for a work permit after they enter Canada

Your family member is applying separately after you apply for your PGWP.

Your family member can apply for an open work permit after you’ve submitted your post graduation work permit (PGWP) application, even if

• you’re waiting on a decision on your PGWP application
• you’re currently working without a work permit while transitioning from full-time student to PGWP holder

Applying before a decision is made

If your family member applies for an open work permit after you apply for yours, but you’re waiting for a decision on your PGWP application, your family member needs to keep the following in mind:

• Your PGWP must be approved before your family member’s application can be processed.
• Your family member’s open work permit may be refused if a decision hasn’t been made on your PGWP application by the time their application is processed.