Work permit for the family of low-skilled workers in Canada

Kossi is a Togolese citizen who works in Canada as a machine tool operator. He holds a valid work permit for the next two years. However, Kossi misses his family and hopes they can join him in Canada. He wonders if his family (spouse and 18-year-old daughter) could secure work permits in Canada despite him being a low-skilled worker.

Who is a low-skilled worker in Canada?

Before discussing work permits for family members, let’s explain low-skilled jobs. The government of Canada divides jobs into six TEER categories. Of course, TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. According to the government of Canada, the TEER categories include the following:

  • 0 – Management occupations
  • 1 – Occupations that usually require a university degree
  • 2 – Occupations that usually require
    • a college diploma
    • apprenticeship training of two or more years, or
    • supervisory occupations
  • 3 – Occupations that usually require
    • a college diploma
    • apprenticeship training of fewer than two years, or
    • more than six months of on-the-job training
  • 4 – Occupations that usually require
    • a high school diploma, or
    • several weeks of on-the-job training
  • 5 – Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education

We may consider TEER 4 and 5 jobs as low-skilled. Of course, you may read my NOC 2021 article for more information.

Work permit eligibility for the spouse of low-skilled workers

Low-skilled workers’ spouses or common-law partners are eligible for an open work permit. Moreover, they are exempt from the requirements of an LMIA under LMIA exemption code C47. However, the low-skilled worker must meet all the following criteria:

Work permit eligibility for the children of low-skilled workers

Low-skilled workers’ children may also receive open work permits. The exemption code for this group is C48. Moreover, the criteria are almost identical to those for spouses and common-law partners. However, they must show they are the dependent biological or adopted children of the low-skilled worker. Dependent children are generally under 22 and not married. Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this rule. Keep in mind not every child may work in Canada.

The duration of work permit for the family of low-skilled workers

The duration of such work permits is the earliest of the following:

  • The applicant’s passport expiry date
  • The low-skilled worker’s work permit expiry date

Of course, in exceptional situations, the officer may use their discretion in setting the expiry date of such work permits.

Some important points

You must know the following before applying:

  • You may not use this option if the low-skilled worker is the family’s child.
  • IRCC issues open work permits for successful applicants. Therefore, they may work for any employer. However, restrictions could exist.
  • After receiving the permit, the low-skilled worker may not use their family’s work permit to change their work permit to an open work permit.
  • The low-skilled worker may hold an open work permit. However, review the eligibility requirements. Also, remember that they must show employment records to prove they are low-skilled workers in these situations.

What about high-skilled workers?

I have published other articles that discuss work permits for the family members of high-skilled workers:

Let us help!

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    Al ParsaiAl Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
    Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
    Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
    Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
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    Disclaimer:
    This article provides information of a general nature only. Considering the fluid nature of the immigration world, it may no longer be current. Of course, the item does not give legal advice. Therefore, do not rely on it as legal advice or immigration advice. Consequently, no one could hold us accountable for the content of these articles. Of course, if you have specific legal questions, you must consult a lawyer. Alternatively, if you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment.

    The characters and places in the articles:
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    Al Parsai

    This article has been expertly crafted by Al Parsai, a distinguished Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (L3 RCIC-IRB – Unrestricted Practice) hailing from vibrant Toronto, Canada. Al's academic achievements include an esteemed role as an adjunct professor at prestigious Queen's University Law School and Ashton College, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from York University. A respected member of CICC and CAPIC organizations, Al's insights are further enriched by his experience as the dynamic CEO of Parsai Immigration Services. Guiding thousands of applicants from over 55 countries through the immigration process since 2011, Al's articles offer a wealth of invaluable knowledge for readers.