If your spouse is working or studying in Canada, or if you have applied to be sponsored for permanent residence by your spouse or partner in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

What is a Spouse Open Work Permit?

A spouse open work permit allows the spouse of certain temporary Canadian permit holders to work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, with few restrictions.

Who Can Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit?

Individuals who have applied to be sponsored by their spouse or those whose spouses are in Canada on a study or work permit may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit. The requirements depend on the type of status your spouse has in Canada:

Applying for a Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permit

If you have not submitted your sponsorship application:

• Submit the sponsorship, permanent residence, and open work permit applications together in a single envelope in hard copy. Ensure all supporting documentation and required proof of payments are included. Submit to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga (CPC-M), Ontario.

If your permanent residence application is submitted but has not received approval in principle:

• Submit the open work permit application in hard copy to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville (CPC-V), Alberta.

If your permanent residence application has been approved in principle:

• Submit the open work permit application online or in hard copy to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville (CPC-V), Alberta.

Approval in principle (AIP) means that the permanent residence application meets eligibility requirements but hasn’t yet passed medical exams and security/background checks. A foreign national must have valid status in Canada (visitor, student, worker, etc.) to submit a work permit application alongside their permanent residence application. If out of status, they must wait for AIP to submit their work permit application.

Eligibility Requirements for a Spousal Work Permit and Visa

To qualify for a spousal open work permit:

• Be in a genuine relationship with a qualifying foreign national principal applicant, permanent resident, or citizen.
• Be eligible to apply as the spouse of a qualifying foreign national or as an in-Canada sponsorship applicant.
• Not be criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada.

Additional criteria vary depending on the SOWP category.

Processing Time

The processing time for a spousal open work permit depends on the type of permit your spouse applied for. Check the approximate processing time on Canada’s dedicated webpage.

Can a Spouse Open Work Permit be Extended?

A SOWP is tied to the permit of the spouse or ‘lead applicant’ and will only be valid for as long as the lead applicant’s permit. If your SOWP expires, you must reapply based on your spouse’s permit.

Spouse Open Work Permit Fees

The fee for a spouse open work permit is $255 CAD ($155 for the processing fee and $100 for the open work permit holder fee).

Validity of a Spouse Open Work Permit

A spousal open work permit can only be issued for as long as the lead applicant’s permit. It will not be issued beyond the validity of the applicant’s passport if it is expiring soon.

Can I Work Anywhere in Canada on a Spouse Open Work Permit?

Holders of spouse open work permits may work anywhere in Canada for any employer, with limited restrictions.

Adding Dependents on a Spouse Open Work Permit

Dependent children may accompany the permit holder by applying for a visitor record.

How to Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit

The application procedure varies depending on the type of SOWP needed. Contact a professional for assistance with your application.

When to Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit

The timing of your application depends on the SOWP category. Contact a professional for specific guidance.

Spouse Open Work Permit Document Checklist

Documents required may include:

• Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter
• Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Proof of spouse’s status in Canada
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law status
• Proof of relationship to the principal applicant
• Valid passport copy
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Proof of payment for applicable fees

Spouse Open Work Permit Medical Request

A medical exam may be required. Candidates can take the exam upfront or wait for a request from IRCC. The exam must be completed with a designated panel physician.

Proof of Funds Requirement

Candidates should demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay in Canada. Failure to do so may result in refusal.

How to Renew Your Spouse Open Work Permit

Renewal is not possible. If your permit expires and your spouse still has eligible status, you may reapply for a new SOWP.

Checking Your Spouse Open Work Permit Application Status

Check your status online through your account if submitted electronically. For paper-based applications, link it to an online IRCC account.

Transitioning from a Spouse Open Work Permit to PR

Options exist for transitioning to permanent residence status. Complete a free online assessment form for evaluation.

Why Was My Spouse Open Work Permit Refused?

Common reasons for refusal include insufficient proof of relationship, lack of financial proof, and inadequate ties to the home country. Contact a professional for assistance if refused.

Can I Stay in Canada if My Visitor Permit Expires While Waiting for My SOWP to Process?

If you applied for In-Canada sponsorship on a visitor permit that is expiring and have applied for a SOWP, you will be on maintained status, allowing you to stay in Canada under the same conditions.

Reasons Spouse Open Work Permit Applications are Rejected

• Principal applicant living outside Canada
• No evidence of spouse attending a DLI
• Lack of proof of funds
• Missing proof of employment
• Insufficient ties to home country
• Absence of proof of a genuine relationship

What Happens to My Spouse’s Open Work Permit Application if We Separate or Divorce?

If your relationship ends after receiving your SOWP, the permit will not be revoked. However, if the relationship ends while the application is processing, you must inform IRCC, and you will no longer be eligible for a SOWP.