Open work permits for family members of foreign workers: How we process your application
The way we process your application depends on when you apply. If you haven’t already checked, make sure you know when your family member can apply(opens in a new tab) .
On this page
- If you applied together
- If you applied separately
- If you applied together at a port of entry
- When to enter Canada
If you applied together
You can only apply online with the principal applicant if you’re eligible. Make sure you’re eligible (opens in a new tab) before you apply together.
Step 1: We process your (the principal applicant’s) application
We make a decision on your application.
Step 2: Family member applications
If your application is approved
We’ll process any family member applications that were submitted at the same time as yours if your application is approved.
If your application is refused
Any family member applications submitted with yours will also be refused if your application is refused.
We’ll refund the open work permit holder fee. The work permit processing fees won’t be refunded.
If you applied separately
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.
Step 1: We process your (the principal applicant) application
We make a decision on your application.
Step 2: Family member applications
If your application is approved
Your family members’ applications will be processed as they’re received.
If your application is refused
If your application is refused, your family members can’t apply for a work permit.
We’ll refund the open work permit holder fee. The work permit processing fees won’t be refunded.
If you applied together at 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.
Make sure your program allows you to apply at the port of entry.
Step 1: We process your (the principal applicant) application
We make a decision on your application.
Step 2: Family member applications
If your application is approved
We’ll process all your family members’ applications if your application is approved.
If your application is refused
Any family member applications submitted after yours will also be refused if your application is refused.
We’ll refund the open work permit holder fee. The work permit processing fees won’t be refunded.
When to enter Canada
You (the principal applicant) must enter Canada either before or at the same time as your family members.
To enter Canada for work, both you and your family members must
- be approved as either a
- have your letter of introduction
- students and workers only
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