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

Important Note: This option no longer exists.

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 whether his family (spouse and 18-year-old daughter) could secure work permits in Canada, even though he is 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:

• They hold a valid work permit or work in Canada legally without a permit. Despite this criterion, the following groups do not qualify:
  • International students or recent graduates without a permit (except PGWP holders)
  • Work permit holders because of a spouse, common-law partner, or parents
  • Refugee claimants or people under an unenforceable removal order
  • Work permit holders under any of the following programs do not qualify:
    • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
    • Agricultural Stream
    • Low-Wage Stream
• Their work permit is valid for at least six months when their family members receive their work permits.
• Their job is TEER 4 or 5 (a low-skilled occupation).
• Physically reside in Canada while employed.
• Their relationship with their spouse or common-law partner is genuine.

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:

• A work permit for dependent children of high-skilled workers
• IMP C41 or C49 – An open work permit for spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers

Check Your Eligibility Instantly

Knowing your options is the first step toward your move. We have designed a self-assessment tool to simplify the complex International Mobility Program. You simply answer a few questions about your background and job offer. The AI then determines if you meet the criteria for an LMIA-Exempt Permit.

Let us help!

We could help you apply for your family work permits if you are a low-skilled worker. Please book a consultation session with me or fill out the following form. For exploring other options, please fill out our assessment form.

Read this in Spanish