Spouse Open Work Permit

Spousal open work permits the spouse of some temporary Canadian permit holders to work without many limitations anywhere in Canada for any employer.

You might qualify for an open work permit if your spouse is already a resident of Canada, whether they are employed there, enrolled in school, or has applied to sponsor you for permanent residency.

Who may submit a request for a Spouse's Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

An individual may be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit if they have applied to be sponsored by their spouse or if their spouse is already in Canada with a study or work permit. Depending on your spouse’s status in Canada, there may be criteria for requesting a spousal open work visa.

Category

• Spouses or common-law partners of those with work permits under the Atlantic Immigration Program
• Holders of a Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) and their spouses or common-law partners
• Common-law partners or spouses of provincial nominees
• Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders
• Spouses or common-law partners of open work permit holders other than BOWP (incl. PGWP, IEC)
• Holders of study permit’ spouses or common-law partners
• Candidates for common-law or spousal sponsorship in Canada

What are the Requirements for a Spouse Open Work Permit?

You must fulfill a number of minimal conditions, such as the following, in order to be eligible for a spousal open work permit:

• Must be a real partner of a principal applicant who is a qualified foreign national, a permanent resident, or a citizen;
• Must not have a criminal record or medical condition that would prevent them from entering Canada;
• Must be eligible to apply as the spouse of a qualifying foreign national or as a candidate for in-Canada sponsorship.

Spouse open work permit document Checklist

Depending on the category you are applying under, different documents are needed for a Canadian spouse’s work permit. As part of their work visa application, applicants might need to submit the following documents:

• Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter
• 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
• A valid copy of your passport
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees

Proof of funds for a spouse's work permit in Canada

Candidates seeking spouse open work permits should be able to show that they have the money necessary to cover their stay in Canada. An application may be rejected if an officer is not confident that the applicant will be able to support themselves while in Canada.

What is the Spouse Open Work Permit Processing Time?

Spouse Work Permit processing time is 8 weeks

What is the Spouse Open Work Permit Application Fee?

If an applicant is applying for the first time, he or she needs to pay the following fees:

• Work permit fees: CAD $155
• Open Work Permit fees: CAD $100