How we process your application

Changes to eligibility

As of January 21, 2025, at 5:00 UTC, the eligibility requirements will change for open work permits for family members of workers.

If you apply before January 21, 2025:

  • We’ll continue to process all applications that were received before January 21, 2025.
    • Applications received before January 21, 2025, will be processed under the previous eligibility criteria.
  • If your open work permit was already approved and hasn’t expired, it stays valid.

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

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

In Canada work permit applicants: new rules about applying at a port of entry

Most foreign nationals already in Canada can no longer apply for a work permit at a port of entry. You must apply online for

If you’re outside of Canada, you may still be eligible to apply for a work permit when you arrive at a port of entry.

If you’re in Canada and leave as a worker on maintained status, you’ll lose your ability to work when you return. This means you can’t work until your application is approved.

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
Your dependent family members can’t enter Canada before you.

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