Spousal Open Work Permit
The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows a sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner in Canada to work while awaiting the decision on their spousal sponsorship application, which can take up to 12 months. Instead of facing economic and emotional hardships during this waiting period, the sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner can apply for an SOWP. Additionally, spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers and students in Canada are also eligible to apply for this permit.
A Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident may sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency under the Family Class category of spousal sponsorship.
The Open Work Permit for Spouses is not tied to a specific employer or job, enabling the holder to work for almost any Canadian employer without needing a confirmed job offer initially.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants seeking a Canadian Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) under the spousal sponsorship category must meet the following criteria:
- A Permanent Residence (PR) application must be submitted under the Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship category.
- The applicant must have valid temporary resident status as a visitor, student, or worker.
- Both the applicant and the sponsor must have the same address and reside together in Canada.
- Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet the eligibility criteria for the Spousal Sponsorship category.
Temporary residents in Canada applying for the Open Work Permit for Spouse may be eligible if they have:
- A spouse working temporarily in Canada as a skilled worker in an occupation classified under NOC skill types 0, A, or B, approved to work in Canada for six months or longer.
- A spouse applying for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program in a job classified under NOC 0, A, B, or C.
- A spouse who is a foreign student at a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university (or CEGEP in Quebec).
- Members of foreign representatives or foreign military members working in Canada may also apply for the SOWP.
For applicants to obtain a Canadian Open Work Permit for Spouses, the sponsoring spouses must meet the eligibility criteria.
Spousal sponsorship is available to couples already living together in Canada, where one spouse or common-law partner holds temporary status as a visitor, student, or worker.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Process
Applicants can apply online for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). There is no requirement for an IELTS score when applying for a Canadian SOWP. Once the open work permit is approved, the holder can work full-time and stay with their spouse as long as their work permit remains valid.
The Open Work Permit for Spouses in Canada may be extended if the status of the spouse or common-law partner is also extended.
The Canadian Spousal Open Work Permit can provide financial benefits to the couple and contribute economically to Canada.
Canada is known for reuniting families in various ways, and the SOWP is one of the pathways available for achieving that goal.
