How to apply

Who can apply

Family members of H-1B visa holder applicants who’ve already applied may be eligible to apply for any of the following:

• temporary resident visa (TRV)
• study permit
• open work permit

To qualify, you must

• be the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of an H-1B visa holder applicant
• currently live in the US
• apply on or before September 26, 2024 Updated submission deadline ^{Footnote 1}

If you’re not eligible to come to Canada under this policy, you may qualify as a family member of a highly skilled worker .

How to apply for a TRV or study permit

• To apply for a visitor visa or study permit as a family member of an H­1B applicant who’s already applied, you must apply through the IRCC Portal.
• Follow the general steps to apply for a
  • visitor visa
  • study permit

When you apply, answer the following question exactly as shown. Otherwise

• we won't be able to confirm that you’re applying as a family member of an H-1B visa applicant who’s already applied and
• your application may be delayed or refused

How to apply for an open work permit

Follow the steps below to apply for an open work permit as a family member of an H-1B visa applicant who’s already applied.

Step 1: Get your documents ready

To apply for an open work permit as a family member, you'll need

• the Canadian work permit application number of the original H-1B applicant
• proof that you're the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of an H-1B visa holder who has applied under this policy, such as
  • your marriage certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) if you are a spouse or common-law partner
  • your birth certificate or adoption papers, if you are a dependent child
• proof that you live in the US, such as
  • a completed Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
  • a recent utility bill
  • an income tax report
  • any document that proves you live in the US

Step 2: Check if you need a medical exam

Find out if you need a medical exam for your application. Most people don't need a medical exam to enter Canada through this measure.

If you need a medical exam

• You should find a doctor and get an upfront medical exam before applying.
• You'll get an open work permit with no medical restrictions.

If you don't need a medical exam

• You'll get an open work permit with limits on where you can work.

Step 3: Apply online through the IRCC Portal

If you're applying as a family member for an open work permit under this temporary policy, follow these instructions.

1. Make a new account if it's your first time using the IRCC Portal.
   1. Once you enter your email address, we'll send you a code to sign up.

2. After you log in:

   1. You must read and agree to the terms and conditions to continue with the application.
   2. Click the Start application button.
   3. Click Apply to visit, study or work in Canada as a temporary resident.
   4. On the next page, check the box at the bottom to confirm that you have read and understand the information shown, then click Start application.
   5. If you're applying to come to Canada with other eligible family members, answer the following questions:
      • Question: Do you want to apply for more than 1 person at the same time?
        • Answer: Yes
      • Question: What type of group applies to your situation?
        • Answer: Select "Family."
      • On the Manage group page, click Add member for each member of your family.
      • You must complete an application for each family member, but you can submit them all at once when you're done.
      • Question: I want to apply for a ?
        • Answer: work permit
      • Question: What exactly do you want to apply for?
        • Answer: I am the spouse, common law partner or dependant of an H-1B visa holder.
   6. Continue answering the remaining questions to complete your application.

Start your application

Who's eligible to apply on paper

You’re only eligible to apply for this policy on paper if you have a disability that prevents you from applying online.

After you apply

If your open work permit was issued with a validity period of less than 3 years, you may be eligible for an extension.

Find out more about open work permit extensions for family members of H-1B visa holders.