IRCC Expands Open Work Permit Eligibility to Spouses of All SIP Workers in British Columbia

IRCC Expands Open Work Permit Eligibility to Spouses of All SIP Workers in British Columbia

Summary: Effective 2026-03-23, IRCC will allow spouses of all workers employed under British Columbia Significant Investment Projects (SIPs) to apply for open work permits, regardless of TEER level, using R205(c)(ii) codes C41 (TEER 0–3) or C47 (TEER 4–5). The change currently affects SIPs for Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Microsoft Vancouver. In a program delivery update published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 2026-03-23, the department expanded spousal open work permit eligibility to cover partners of all SIP workers in British Columbia, irrespective of the worker’s Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) classification. Under the Canada–British Columbia Immigration Agreement’s Foreign Workers Annex and paragraph R205(c)(ii) of the IRPR, spouses of SIP workers may now apply for open work permits as follows: C41 for spouses of TEER 0–3 workers and C47 for spouses of TEER 4–5 workers. Previously, eligibility was limited to spouses of SIP workers in TEER 0 or 1 and select 2 or 3 roles. This policy applies to applications received on or after 2026-03-23. IRCC noted that related program delivery instructions—“Family members of foreign nationals authorized to work in high-skilled occupations (C41/C46)” and “Family members of foreign nationals authorized to work in low-skilled occupations (C47/C48)”—will be updated. The core SIP authority for the principal worker continues to rest with R204(c) and the relevant intergovernmental agreements. Scope and context: While SIP provisions also exist under the Canada–Ontario Immigration Agreement, IRCC confirms there are currently two active SIP agreements, both in BC: Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Microsoft Vancouver. Accordingly, the practical effect of this change is presently limited to British Columbia. Programs affected include Work Permits and stakeholders connected to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). Independent analysis:
- Positive impacts: The expansion promotes family unity, labour market participation by spouses across all skill levels, and may aid recruitment and retention for SIP employers by reducing barriers tied to a worker’s occupation or TEER level.
- Potential challenges: IRCC may face increased processing volumes; employers and counsel should monitor coding (C41 vs. C47) and application timing (applications must be received on/after the effective date). The change is narrow in scope, benefiting only spouses of workers on designated SIPs, which may limit broader provincial labour market effects. Source: IRCC – Program Delivery Update (courtesy posting for stakeholders)
Date of update: 2026-03-23

Tags: IRCC, Open Work Permit, Spousal Open Work Permit, R205(c)(ii), C41, C47, TEER, Significant Investment Project, SIP, CBCIA, British Columbia, Lululemon, Microsoft Vancouver, Work Permit Policy, BCPNP, Canada Immigration 2026 This targeted expansion strengthens family stability for SIP workers in BC and provides clear pathways for spouses’ labour market access, while stakeholders await IRCC’s forthcoming instruction updates.