When submitting an in-Canada Class spousal sponsorship using the Permanent residence representative portal, can the spouse open work permit application be submitted with the spousal sponsorship through the portal? If not how and when can it be submitted?

Answer:

The procedure to apply for an open work permit application under Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC) is a bit different when using the new online Permanent Residence portal.

Prior to the introduction of the online system, applicants were required, by paper, to submit the application for permanent residence and work permit application at the same time, including both applications in one envelope and mailed to the relevant processing centre.

With the new online system, applicants are instead required to follow a two-step process: first to submit the application for permanent residence through the online portal, and second, once they receive an acknowledgement of receipt (of the PR application) letter, they can submit their work permit application online through the regular IRCC online portal.