How long does it take to receive a work permit for a sponsored spouse?

The work permit for a sponsored spouse, issued under the inland spousal open work permit public policy, typically takes several months to process, depending on IRCC workload. This timeline applies only to spouses who are applying from inside Canada through the inland sponsorship stream. The process begins once IRCC receives a complete sponsorship application, and couples can see how this step fits into the broader pathway on the Spousal Sponsorship Program Page.

IRCC cannot issue the work permit until the sponsorship file has passed the completeness check and required steps, such as biometrics (if applicable), have been completed. Once these steps are met, IRCC begins processing the permit separately from the PR application itself. Applicants who want to understand why this timeline sometimes varies can refer to the FAQ “How long does a spouse visa take to process when submitting a sponsorship application in Canada in 2026?”, which helps explain how IRCC workloads and processing volumes affect timelines.

While the open work permit allows the sponsored spouse to work while their PR application is being processed, it does not speed up the permanent residence decision. Inland applicants benefit from this option because it provides stability and income while IRCC completes eligibility, background checks, and the final review.

If you want help preparing your inland sponsorship file or ensuring your work permit application is complete and well-organized, our Canadian immigration advisers can guide you through each step. You may review the Immigration Consultant Cost page for service details or speak with a specialist through our Book Consultation page.