If you already have a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) and it’s about to expire, a SOWP extension lets you renew your open work permit so you can remain in Canada as a worker. Extending a SOWP follows the same process as a standard work permit extension, and most requirements are the same as a regular Spousal Open Work Permit application. For general eligibility, step-by-step instructions, fees, and processing times, please see our main Spousal Open Work Permit page.
What is a SOWP extension?
A SOWP extension is an in-Canada application to extend (renew) your current open work permit before it expires. It’s used most often when your spouse/partner’s status in Canada continues, and you want your work permit to match the remaining validity of the principal applicant’s work authorization.
Who can apply for a SOWP extension?
You can usually apply if you are in Canada and you still qualify as the spouse/common-law partner of a principal temporary resident (most commonly, a foreign worker) who still has valid status in Canada. IRCC will expect you to show that:
- your relationship still qualifies, and
- the principal applicant’s status and conditions that supported your SOWP are still valid.
The most important rule after Jan 21, 2025: when extensions are still allowed
IRCC states that your in-Canada family members can still apply to extend their open work permit even after January 21, 2025, when all of the following apply:
- you’re in Canada
- your current work permit is valid for a shorter period than the principal applicant’s permit
- you apply to extend before your current work permit expires
In plain language, extensions are most straightforward when you’re extending because your SOWP was issued shorter than your spouse/partner’s document and you’re aligning the validity periods (subject to limits like document validity).
When to apply for SOWP Extension
Apply before your current work permit expires. IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry to reduce the risk of falling out of status.
If you apply to extend your work permit before it expires and you stay in Canada, IRCC says you’re authorized to keep working under the same conditions as your original work permit until a decision is made (often called maintained status).
Documents checklist for a SOWP extension
Below are the documents that are most specific to an extension.
For a typical SOWP extension, you should be ready to provide:
- your current work permit (copy)
- your passport (ensure it’s valid long enough for the extension you want)
- proof the principal applicant still has valid status in Canada (for example, their current work permit/status document)
- proof you’re extending to align with the principal applicant’s validity (showing their permit is valid longer than yours)
- basic proof your relationship still qualifies
Common reasons SOWP extensions get refused
SOWP extensions are often refused when IRCC can’t confirm you still qualify or when the application is submitted too late. Common issues include:
- applying after your work permit expired (or assuming maintained status applies when the extension wasn’t submitted before expiry)
- not meeting the post-Jan 21, 2025 extension conditions (in Canada + your permit is shorter than the principal’s + you applied before expiry)
- not providing clear proof that the principal applicant still has valid status and that your extension should align with their remaining validity
- passport validity limiting how long IRCC can issue the extension
To help you prepare a strong SOWP extension file—especially the timing strategy, extension-specific document package, and avoiding refusal risks—you can refer to our Licensed Immigration Consultants. On our site, you can get acquainted with the professional Immigration Fees involved, or you can easily Book a Consultation to talk to our experts right now.
