Open Work Permit for workers' families (C41/C46/C47/C48/C49)

Open Work Permit for workers' families (C41/C46/C47/C48/C49)

Family OWPs are assessed based on the principal applicant’s occupation, the duration of their work authorization, and their PR pathway.

Main Eligibility and Conditions

• Standard C41: principal applicant is in TEER 0/1 or a designated TEER 2/3 occupation; work authorization remains valid for at least 16 months from the date of the OWP application.
• Transitioning PR streams without submitted applications have specific C41/C46 or C47/C48 guidelines; standard conditions do not apply to all profiles.
• C49: family members of a WP holder under a qualifying economic PR profile; PR is still under assessment, and work authorization usually has at least 6 months remaining.

Documents to Prepare

Permit/approval, employer letter, NOC/duties, proof of PR/nomination, marriage/birth certificates.

Important Notes

Dependent children are no longer eligible under the new general group effective January 21, 2025, but may be considered under specific PR branches or special extensions if eligible.

LMIA exemption does not waive the requirement to meet work permit issuance conditions. Work permits and permanent residency are assessed separately.

Support Process at KeyApply

1. Submit information regarding nationality, residency status, employment, and relevant documents for assessment.
2. Determine the applicable stream, missing documents, and scope of support.
3. Prepare the application with the assigned RCIC or lawyer; monitor for any additional requests.

Register for Case Assessment

Select Register for Case Assessment, costing 0 CAD, to submit a request. Execution fees and government fees, if applicable, are confirmed separately based on the profile. You can call, email, or message us via KeyApply.com.

Official Resources

• IRCC – C41/C46/C47/C48/C49
• IRCC – Relevant Guidelines
• IRCC – Relevant Guidelines
• IRCC – Relevant Guidelines

Updated October 08, 2026.

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