Spousal Open Work Permit

Spousal Open Work Permit

What is a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) in Canada?

A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of an eligible temporary resident in Canada to work for almost any employer without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If you're planning to join your partner in Canada, understanding the latest IRCC spouse open work permit update is essential before submitting your application. Proving the genuineness of your relationship is crucial for Spousal Sponsorship approval in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carefully reviews applications to ensure marriages or partnerships are not merely for immigration convenience.

spouse open work permit

Who Can Apply 

According to IRCC, eligibility for a spousal open work permit falls into three main pathways:

  1. Spouses of workers on a pathway to permanent residence
  2. Spouses of high-skilled workers not yet on a PR pathway
  3. Sponsored spouses already in Canada (Family Class or Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) 

In all cases, your spouse or common-law partner must also meet the general work permit eligibility requirements and, if already in Canada, must hold valid temporary resident status, maintained status, or be eligible for restoration of status.

IRCC Spouse Open Work Permit for International Students

The IRCC spouse open work permit for international students is no longer available to all study permit holders. Under the current rules, only spouses of eligible students enrolled in approved graduate-level or designated professional programs may qualify.

If your spouse is applying for or holds a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you may also qualify for a spousal open work permit PGWP, provided all IRCC eligibility requirements are met.

Processing Times

Processing times vary by application type, volume, and individual circumstances, and change regularly. Rather than quoting a fixed number of weeks, we recommend checking IRCC's official Processing Times tool at the time of application, as this reflects the most current, case-specific estimates directly from IRCC.

Fees

Per IRCC's published fee schedule, the standard fees are:

  • Work permit processing fee: CAD $155
  • Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100

How to Apply?

Start your Spousal Open Work Permit application with confidence by getting expert guidance from Can-America Immigration. Our team will help you assess your eligibility, prepare the required documents, and support you throughout the application process.

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