Can I apply for an open work permit for my spouse outside Canada?

1. Eligibility for “Outland” Applications

A spouse outside Canada or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit from outside Canada, provided the principal applicant meets the specific criteria established on January 21, 2025. The eligibility depends on the primary permit holder’s status:

• Spouses of International Students: You can secure an open work permit for spouse only if the student is enrolled in a Doctoral (PhD) program, a Master’s program with a minimum duration of 16 months, or a designated University Professional Degree (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Nursing). Spouses of students in undergraduate or college-level diploma programs are generally excluded from this pathway.
• Spouses of Foreign Workers (including PGWP Holders): “Outland” applications are permitted if the worker is employed in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation in a shortage sector (such as Healthcare, STEM, or Trades). Furthermore, the worker’s permit must have a minimum of 16 months of validity remaining at the time the spouse’s application is received.
• In-Canada Sponsorship Exception: Spouses being sponsored for Permanent Residency under the “In-Canada Class” cannot apply for an open work permit from outside the country. This specific permit requires the applicant to be physically residing in Canada with their sponsor.

2. Procedural Mechanics and Travel Documents

• The Approval Process: When a spouse open work permit is approved when the spouse is abroad, IRCC issues a Letter of Introduction (Port of Entry letter). This is not the open work permit itself. The physical work permit is only issued by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer upon the spouse’s arrival at a Canadian port of entry.
• Travel Authorization: A work permit approval does not authorize travel. Depending on their nationality, the spouse will still require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). For most applicants, IRCC will process the required travel document concurrently with the work permit application.
• Port of Entry (POE) Applications: Only citizens of the United States and other TRV-exempt nationals are eligible to apply for a work permit directly at the border. Visa-required nationals must apply online and receive approval before traveling to Canada.

3. Critical Documentation for Outland Applicants

To mitigate the risk of refusal, outland applications must demonstrate “Dual Intent.” The applicant must satisfy the officer that they meet the SOWP requirements while maintaining the intention to leave Canada should their status expire. Essential evidence includes:

• Proof of Student/Worker Status: Valid permits, enrollment letters, or high-skilled employment contracts.
• The 16-Month Evidence: Clear documentation showing the program length (for students) or permit expiry (for workers) meets the 2025 thresholds.
• Relationship Evidence: Marriage certificates or notarized common-law declarations (IMM 5409), often supplemented by proof of joint financial or residential history.

For a full breakdown and fixes, see our FAQ “Why is a spouse open work permit refused in Canada?”

Need assistance with a spouse work permit Canada and want to move through the process smoothly and confidently, you can book a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Consultants. Also you can review our Immigration Consultant Prices to find the package that fits your needs.

If you need a full overview on spouse sponsorship Canada, you can visit our dedicated webpage for a complete breakdown of the family reunification process.