Spousal Open Work Permit Canada 2026

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The Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is designed to let eligible spouses or common-law partners work for almost any employer in Canada. Under this program, the Applicant (the spouse or common-law partner seeking to work) is granted work authorization based on the qualifying status of their partner – who is either a Sponsor (Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident), a Foreign Worker or an International Student.

In 2025, the SOWP landscape changed dramatically. The most sweeping restrictions took effect on January 21, 2025, tightening eligibility and putting far more weight on the partner’s situation at the exact time the application is submitted. Understanding which of the three main categories you fall under is the first step, as each has its own rules, required documents, and common pitfalls.

The first category is the spouse of a Sponsor, where applicants under Inland Spousal Sponsorship can request a work permit while their PR application is processed, provided the couple resides together.

The second category covers spouses of a Foreign Workers, where approval requires the partner to work in a TEER 0 or 1 (or priority TEER 2/3) role and have at least 16 months of validity remaining on their permit. This 16-month rule is vital for PGWP holders, who must now prove they hold a qualifying high-skilled or priority occupation – simply holding a valid permit is no longer sufficient to qualify a spouse for an SOWP.

The third category is the spouse of an International Student; as of 2025, eligibility is restricted to partners of those in Master’s (16+ months), Doctoral, or select Professional degree programs.

What follows is a practical, step-by-step guide to these three categories – how eligibility is assessed, what the application journey typically looks like, the inside-versus-outside Canada differences, how extensions work, and how to avoid the refusal issues that most commonly derail otherwise strong applications.

Applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit requires careful preparation to avoid delays or refusals. Our licensed Canadian immigration consultants provide end-to-end support, from assessing eligibility to submitting a strong application. From 2023 to 2025, we successfully supported over 600 Spousal Open Work Permit applicants. Book a consultation with our team for tailored advice, or explore our service fees to learn more.

New Rules and Policy Changes

General IRCC latest Rules

Biometrics requirement unchanged: Biometrics are required for SOWP applicants unless they were provided within the last 10 years.
Biometrics validity impact: IRCC cannot issue a work permit beyond the biometrics expiry date, which may affect permit length.
Medical exam requirement: A medical exam is required if the applicant intends to work in healthcare, childcare, or education involving children, in line with IRCC health-related occupation rules.
Upfront medicals (optional): Applicants may consider completing a medical exam upfront, as IRCC may apply job restrictions until a medical is completed.

In-Canada spousal PR pathway

Public policy remains in place: Sponsored spouses applying for PR from inside Canada may apply for an open work permit while PR processing is ongoing.
AOR requirement maintained: IRCC generally requires the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming the PR application is accepted for processing.
Cohabitation rule enforced: The sponsor and applicant must be living together in Canada at the same residential address.
Maintained status applies: Applicants who apply before their status expires may remain in Canada under maintained status while decisions are pending.

Spouses of foreign workers

Policy change effective January 21, 2025: Spousal open work permits are now linked to the worker’s skill level and permit validity.
TEER-based limitation: Eligibility is restricted to principal workers in TEER 0 or 1, or select TEER 2 or 3 in-demand occupations identified by IRCC.
16-month validity rule: At the time of application, the principal worker must have at least 16 months of work authorization remaining.
Exemptions retained: These restrictions do not apply to workers covered by Free Trade Agreements (e.g., CUSMA) or those transitioning to Permanent Residence.

Spouses of international students

Policy change effective January 21, 2025: IRCC significantly narrowed access to spousal open work permits for students’ family members.
Program-based restriction introduced: Eligibility is now limited to certain graduate-level and professional programs as defined by IRCC.
Undergraduate and college programs excluded: SOWPs are no longer issued based on undergraduate, diploma, or certificate studies.
Grandfathering rule confirmed: Spouses holding a valid SOWP before January 21, 2025 may be eligible to renew, provided conditions remain unchanged.

Work Permits for Spouses of Citizens or Permanent Residents

Eligibility Requirements

If you’re being sponsored for Canadian permanent residence as a spouse or common-law partner and you’re living in Canada with your sponsor, you may have access to a special spousal open work permit option while your PR application is being processed. You just need to check eligibility first.

1) Sponsored person (principal applicant) must be eligible

You can usually apply inland if you:

Are the sponsor’s spouse (legally married) or common-law partner (you’ve lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 continuous months).
Are living with your sponsor in Canada (cohabiting) and plan to keep living together in Canada while the application is in process.
Can show the relationship is genuine (not entered primarily for immigration purposes).
Are not inadmissible (for example, serious criminality, security, or medical inadmissibility issues can still lead to refusal).

Status requirement (important):

Normally, the sponsored person must have valid temporary resident status in Canada (visitor, student, worker) or be on maintained status or eligible for restoration.
There is also a long-standing public policy that can allow some applicants without status to be processed inland, but only where the “problem” is essentially lack of status / related documents. Other inadmissibility grounds still apply.

Not eligible as inland:

Conjugal partner sponsorship is not an inland category (it’s for partners outside Canada who can’t marry or live together due to barriers beyond their control).

2) Sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) must be eligible

To sponsor inland, the sponsor generally must:

Be 18 or older.
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or registered under the Indian Act).
Be living in Canada (inland sponsorship assumes you’re both residing together in Canada).
Not be receiving social assistance (welfare), except for disability-related assistance.
Not be ineligible due to common bars such as:
- being in jail/prison or under certain legal restrictions,
- being in default of an earlier sponsorship undertaking, immigration loan, performance bond, or court-ordered support payments,
- being undischarged bankrupt,
- having certain serious/violent criminal convictions (especially involving family members),

being subject to the 5-year bar (if they became a PR after being sponsored as a spouse/partner within the last 5 years).

Application Timeline

There is no single fixed timeline – it varies by country and workload. However, there are standard steps to follow.

If you need to know about the processing time, you can check our section that covers it.

Step 1: Submit the inland spousal sponsorship PR application (PR first)

Inland sponsorship must be submitted first.
The application goes through a completeness check.

Step 2: Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for the PR file (most common trigger)

Once the PR application passes completeness, you receive AOR (file number created).
This is normally when you become eligible to apply online for the sponsorship-based open work permit.

Step 3: Apply for the open work permit (3 possible entry points)

Choose the one that matches your situation:

Standard path: apply after receiving the Official AOR Letter (which confirms your PR file has passed the initial completeness check).
Urgent-expiry exception: apply without AOR
You may apply without AOR only if your valid status (or work/study permit) expires in 2 weeks or less and you have already submitted the PR sponsorship application.
If you don’t have valid status in Canada

If your PR file is being processed under the spousal public policy, you must wait until you receive Approval in Principle (AIP) before you can apply for the open work permit.

In this out-of-status/AIP scenario, the open work permit is typically a paper application (with an explanation letter + AIP copy).

Step 4: Pay fees and submit the OWP application

Submit the work permit application (online in most cases).
Make sure all required documents are uploaded to avoid returns.

Step 5: OWP completeness check (first gate)

If anything required is missing, the application can be returned without processing.

Step 6: Biometrics stage (if required)

If biometrics are required, you’ll receive instructions and must complete them before processing can move forward.

Step 7: Medical exam (only if required)

A medical exam is not automatic. If required, instructions are sent.
This step can significantly extend processing in some cases.

Step 8: Officer review + possible document request / interview (not routine)

An officer reviews eligibility and may request extra documents.
Interviews are possible but not standard.

Step 9: Decision and receiving the work permit (in-Canada outcome)

If approved from inside Canada, the work permit is issued through in-Canada processing and mailed to your Canadian address (approval will also appear in your online account).

Step 10: If you need to extend later (common PR still-in-process scenario)

You may be able to extend the sponsorship-based open work permit for 2 more years if:
- you have AOR, and
- the PR application is still in process (no final decision yet).

Applying Inside VS Outside

Where you apply from matters. The rules for applying inside Canada vs. outside Canada can change what you’re eligible for, what documents you’ll need, and whether you can apply online or at the border.

Applying inside Canada (this is the normal/eligible route)

You can usually apply from inside Canada if all of the following are true:

You’re the spouse/common-law partner (or conjugal partner) being sponsored for PR
You are living in Canada with your sponsor (cohabiting)
Your PR sponsorship application has been accepted for processing (normally evidenced by an AOR)
You have valid temporary resident status, maintained status, or you’ve applied for and are eligible for restoration

How it works (inside Canada)

You apply online (this is the standard process)
Your approval appears in your online account, and the physical work permit is issued through the in-Canada process (typically mailed to your Canadian address)

Important exception (still “inside Canada”)

If your status/work/study authorization will expire in 2 weeks or less, you may be able to apply without AOR (only in that narrow urgent-expiry situation, and only if the PR application has already been submitted).

Applying outside Canada (generally not available for this category)

If you are outside Canada, you generally can’t apply for this sponsorship-based open work permit from abroad, because eligibility depends on:

living in Canada with your sponsor, and
having in-Canada temporary status/maintained status/restoration eligibility, and
having a PR file in process (normally AOR).

What people typically do instead

Enter Canada first as a temporary resident (visitor/student/worker) if eligible
Live with the sponsor in Canada
Once the PR application is accepted for processing (AOR) and you meet the in-Canada status rules, apply for the open work permit from inside Canada

Port of entry (border/airport) rule for this category

This inland sponsorship-based open work permit is not meant to be requested at the border as a “walk-up” work permit. Even if someone is travelling, the correct process is to apply through the in-Canada work permit process once eligible (AOR/urgent-expiry exception/AIP scenario).

Special case: if you’re out of status in Canada

If you don’t have valid status and you’re relying on the inland public policy that can still allow processing, you generally must wait until Approval in Principle (AIP) before you can apply for the open work permit (often as a paper process, depending on instructions).

How to Extend SOWP

The extension process of SOWP for spouses who applied for spousal sponsorship differ from the other 2 categories.

1) Check if you qualify to extend (the eligibility test)

You can extend this open work permit for 2 more years if all of the following are true:

You already have an open work permit issued under this inland sponsorship public policy, and
You have received the AOR for your PR sponsorship application, and
Your PR application is still being processed (no final decision has been made yet).

If your PR application has already been finalized (approved/refused/withdrawn), this 2-year extension option generally won’t apply.

2) Apply before your current permit expires (to avoid losing work authorization)

Submit the extension before the expiry date of your current work permit.
If you apply online, your submission must be made before midnight (UTC) on the day your permit expires (UTC is not the same as local time).
A practical best practice is to apply about 30 days before expiry (but avoid applying so early that it shortens your overall validity).

3) What to prepare (documents that usually matter most)

Have these ready in your upload package:

AOR letter (proof your PR file passed completeness and is in process)
Proof your PR file is still in process (generally shown by your online account status + no final decision)
Copy of your current open work permit
Copy of your passport (your permit cannot be extended past passport expiry)
Proof you are still living in Canada with your sponsor (often helpful if requested later)

4) Fees (what you typically pay for an open work permit extension)

For an open work permit (including extensions), the common fee structure is:

$155 work permit processing fee
$100 open work permit holder fee
(Total: $255 CAD)
Biometrics fees apply only if you’re required to give biometrics.

5) While you’re waiting (maintained status + working)

If you applied to extend before the permit expired:

You can usually stay in Canada under maintained status while a decision is made.
You can usually keep working under the same conditions while waiting.
Because it’s an open work permit, you can generally change employers and jobs.

When your extension is approved, you can typically start working as soon as you receive the approval notice in your online account—you don’t need to wait for the paper permit to arrive.

6) If your permit already expired

You must stop working immediately if you’re still in Canada and didn’t apply before expiry.
You may be able to apply to restore your status as a worker (restoration has strict rules and is not guaranteed).
You generally cannot work again until restoration and the new work permit are approved.

7) Common mistakes to avoid

Applying to extend without AOR (extensions under this policy require AOR).
Trying to extend after a PR decision is already made.
Letting your passport expire too soon (it can cap your new work permit validity).
Missing the online UTC cutoff on your expiry date.

Work Permits for Spouses of Foreign Workers

Eligibility Requirements

A spousal open work permit (SOWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker to work for almost any employer in Canada. However, as of January 21, 2025, eligibility is strictly limited to high-skilled or “priority sector” workers.

Who Qualifies (Post-January 21, 2025 Rules)

The foreign worker must meet all of the following criteria at the time their spouse applies:

Valid Work Authorization: Hold a valid Canadian work permit or a port of entry letter of introduction.
The 16-Month Rule: Have at least 16 months of validity remaining on their work permit when IRCC receives the spouse’s application.
Residency: Be living (or planning to live) in Canada while working.
Eligible Occupation: Be employed in a high-skilled role (TEER 0 or 1) or a “priority” TEER 2/3 role. IRCC uses the 5-digit NOC code to determine this eligibility. Every Canadian job has a 5-digit NOC code and a TEER level. For SOWP eligibility, IRCC looks beyond your partner’s job title to ensure the NOC falls under TEER 0 or 1 or the Priority TEER 2/3 list. To avoid a refusal for “misclassification,” the duties in their employment letter must strictly align with the official NOC Lead Statement.

Special Rules for PGWP Holders (Graduates)

If the partner is a graduate on a Post-Graduation Work Permit, the spouse’s eligibility is now tied to the partner’s current job, not just their permit.

Proof of Employment Required: Unlike the old rules, you must prove you are currently employed in a qualifying TEER 0, 1, or select 2/3 role (usually via a letter of employment and 3 recent pay stubs).
Job Offer Timing: If you apply for your PGWP and your spouse’s SOWP at the same time, you must already have a job offer in an eligible category to succeed. If you don’t have a job yet, your spouse may have to wait and apply later once you are employed.

Requirements for the Principal Applicant:

Meet the general requirements for a work permit;
Prove a genuine spousal/common-law relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or IMM 5409 for common-law); and
If applying inside Canada, have valid status, maintained status, or be eligible for restoration.

Notable exclusions/notes

Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for an open work permit under this measure.
Free-trade agreement (FTA) work permits and some “transitioning to PR” situations may be treated differently and may not be impacted by the Jan 21, 2025 restrictions.

Please refer to the IRCC website for the full list of eligible NOC codes and detailed document checklists.

Application Timeline

There is no single fixed timeline – it varies by country and workload. However, there are standard steps to follow.

If you need to know about the processing time, you can check our section that covers it.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Foreign worker meets eligibility requirements.
Applicant meets admissibility criteria.

Step 2: Decide when you can apply (together vs separate)

Depending on the worker’s situation, IRCC says eligible family members may be able to apply:

at the same time (online or at a port of entry, if eligible), or
separately, or after arrival in Canada.

Step 3: Choose where you’ll apply from (inside vs outside Canada)

If you’re in Canada, most people can no longer apply at a port of entry and must apply online for initial permits and extensions.
If you’re outside Canada, you may still be eligible to apply at a port of entry (only if you meet POE rules), or apply online.

Step 4: Prepare your documents (what IRCC actually checks)

IRCC will expect proof of:

your relationship (marriage/common-law), and
the worker’s work authorization length (examples: work permit, POE letter of introduction, etc.), and
the worker’s eligible occupation/TEER (as required by the checklist).

If you need more information on what documents you need to show, you can check our article.

Step 5: Complete All IRCC Forms

Ensure all signatures, dates, and required fields are complete to avoid a returned application.

Step 6: Pay IRCC Fees

The total cost is $255 CAD:

$155 work permit fee
$100 open work permit holder fee

Step 7: Submit the Application Online

Step 8: IRCC completeness check (first gate)

If something required is missing, IRCC can’t properly process the application (this is where returns/delays happen). (This is why the document checklist matters.)

Step 9: Biometrics stage (if required)

You typically get a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) after you submit (and pay biometrics if required). IRCC indicates they can only start processing after they receive biometrics.

Step 10: Medical exam (only if required — conditional step)

You may need an immigration medical exam if:

you’ll stay more than 6 months and lived/travelled for 6+ months in certain countries in the prior year, or
you’ll work in jobs where public health must be protected (e.g., health care/child care), regardless of travel.
IRCC also notes you can do an upfront medical or wait for instructions, and that a medical can add 3+ months in some cases.

Step 11: Officer review + possible extra document request (and rare interview)

IRCC may request additional documents or clarification during review. (Interviews are possible but not routine.)

Step 12: Processing order depends on the foreign worker (this is key)

IRCC processes the worker first. If the partner is refused, the spouse/family OWP cannot be approved.
If refused, IRCC refunds the $100 OWP holder fee but not the $155 processing fee.

Step 13: Approval outcome

If Outside Canada: You get a POE Letter of Introduction. You must bring this to Canada to have your physical permit printed at the border.
If Inside Canada: Your physical permit is mailed to your Canadian address.

Processing times can shift a lot depending on application volume, the country you apply from, and whether extra checks (like biometrics/interview) are needed. IRCC doesn’t give one fixed timeline; use the IRCC processing-times tool for the most current estimate for your application type/location.

Applying Inside VS Outside

Where you apply from changes how you apply, whether you can apply at the border, and how you receive/activate the work permit. The options below are the core “inside vs. outside” rules for spouses/common-law partners of foreign workers.

Practical “which one should we use?”

Option 1: Outside Canada (online) is usually best if you want approval before travel and you’re not already eligible to apply from inside Canada.
Option 2: Port of entry is only for travelers who meet POE eligibility, and it’s not the route for most people already inside Canada.
Option 3: Inside Canada (online) is usually best if you’re already in Canada with valid status (or eligible to apply from inside) and want the permit issued by mail without needing to leave and re-enter.

Option 1: Apply from outside Canada (online before travelling)

This is the default route: anyone can apply for a work permit before entering Canada, as long as they follow the instructions for their country/region and submit the required documents.

What approval looks like: if the application is approved outside Canada, you receive a port of entry (POE) letter of introduction. That letter is not the work permit. The actual work permit is issued when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry and present your documents.
Important “activation” warning: if you used the “outside Canada” process (IMM 1295) but you’re physically in Canada when you receive the POE letter, you generally must leave Canada and re-enter to get the work permit issued, and re-entry from the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon may not work for activation in some cases.

Option 2: Apply at the port of entry (POE) when you arrive (only if eligible)

Applying at the airport/land border is not available to everyone. Border applications depend on whether you’re eligible to apply at a POE (commonly visa-exempt travelers) and whether your situation/program allows it. If you’re visa-required, you generally can’t apply for a work permit at the POE and must apply from outside Canada instead.

If arriving together: when a family arrives at the POE together, everyone must be eligible to apply upon entry, and the foreign worker must enter before or at the same time as family members (dependents can’t enter first).

Option 3: Apply from inside Canada (online)

Applying from within Canada is only allowed for certain people. One key eligible group is someone whose spouse/common-law partner has a valid work or study permit (which covers many foreign-worker spouse cases), but you must still meet the specific open work permit eligibility rules for spouses of workers.

How you apply: most in-Canada applicants must apply online (not at the border). In fact, most foreign nationals already in Canada can no longer apply for an initial work permit or an extension at a port of entry.
How you receive the permit: for in-Canada applications, approval is issued in the online account and the physical work permit is mailed to your Canadian address.

Travel caution: if you’re in Canada on maintained status and you leave, you can lose the ability to work when you return until a decision is made.

How to Extend SOWP

Extending a spousal open work permit (SOWP) for a foreign worker’s spouse is usually about keeping your status valid and aligning your permit’s end date with your Qualifying Partner’s current work authorization – especially when your SOWP was issued shorter because of passport or biometrics validity.

Under the current rules, in-Canada spouses can still extend in limited cases (you’re in Canada, your permit is shorter than the spouse’s, and you apply before it expires), and online submissions must be filed before midnight (UTC) on the expiry date.

1) Check if you’re actually eligible to extend

After the January 21, 2025 rule changes, many spouses can’t “renew” just because the partner extended. In most cases, an extension is only available in a limited scenario:

You can apply to extend even after Jan 21, 2025 if all are true:

you are in Canada
your current open work permit is valid for a shorter period than the partner’s permit
you apply before your current permit expires

Also, the extension cannot be issued beyond the expiry of:

the partner’s permit, and
your passport or biometrics validity

Common example: your permit was shortened because your passport expires earlier—renew your passport first, then apply to extend.

2) Prepare the “extension package” (what matters most)

In practice, extensions succeed when you clearly show:

your relationship (marriage/common-law proof), and
the partner’s current valid work permit (and new expiry date), and
why your current permit was shorter (often passport expiry) and that you’re requesting a new end date that matches the partner’s current permit.

3) Apply online before expiry (avoid losing work authorization)

To keep legal stay (and usually the ability to keep working), your extension must be received before your permit expires. If you apply online, submission is counted by UTC—you must submit before midnight UTC on the expiry date.

IRCC recommends applying about 30 days before expiry (but not so early that it shortens your overall validity).

For in-Canada extensions, the main form is IMM 5710 (work permit extension/change conditions).

4) Pay the right fees

Typical fees are:

$155 work permit (including extensions) + $100 open work permit holder fee

5) While waiting: maintained status and working

If you applied to extend before expiry and your permit expires while waiting, you generally have maintained status and can keep working under the same conditions (open work permit holders can still change employers).

Once approved, you can start working as soon as you receive the approval note in your online account – you don’t need to wait for the paper permit to arrive by mail.

6) If your permit already expired

If you didn’t apply before expiry, you must stop working. You may be able to apply to restore status and request a new work permit, but you can’t work until restored/approved.

Key “don’t-miss” warnings

Extensions are mostly for fixing a shorter spouse permit (passport/biometrics-limited) to match the partner’s current permit—not a brand-new eligibility reassessment.
Don’t miss the UTC submission cutoff for online extensions.
A work permit is not a travel document—separate visa/eTA rules apply if you travel.

Work Permits for Spouses of International Students

Eligibility Requirements

Canada now limits spouse open work permits (often called a family open work permit) to specific student program types. An open work permit usually lets the spouse/common-law partner of an international student work for almost any employer, with a few employer/industry restrictions.

1) Core eligibility checklist (must all be true)

Your spouse/common-law partner may qualify if:

You (the student) have a valid study permit, and
You are enrolled in one of the eligible program categories listed below.

2) Eligible student programs (as of January 21, 2025)

Your spouse/common-law partner may be eligible if you are:

In a master’s degree program of 16 months or longer, or
In a doctoral (PhD) program, or
In one of the listed university professional degree programs, including
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS/DMD)
- Law (LLB/JD/BCL)
- Medicine (MD)
- Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD / BS / BSc / BPharm)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Nursing degrees (BScN/BSN/BNSc/BN)
- Education (BEd)
- Engineering (BEng/BE/BASc)

3) Eligible pilot / special programs (explicitly listed)

Spouses may also qualify if the student is participating in one of these eligible programs, such as:

Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) (outside Quebec)
Quebec nursing/health recognition & bridging initiatives (including the Quebec nursing recognition project)
Ontario Supervised Practice Experience Partnership
Manitoba Nurse Re-Entry (Red River College Polytechnic)
British Columbia bridging programs listed on the official page (e.g., internationally educated midwives/pharmacy/nursing practice programs)

4) What your spouse/partner must provide to prove eligibility

Proof you’re enrolled (one of: letter of acceptance, proof of enrolment, or transcripts)
If you’re in a pilot/special program: a letter from the province/territory or an acceptance/confirmation from a participating school/program
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or evidence of common-law partnership)

5) Who usually does not qualify anymore

Generally, spouses/partners of students in most undergraduate degrees, college diplomas/certificates, and master’s programs under 16 months are not eligible under the current rules (unless they already hold an OWP issued under earlier criteria and qualify to renew under the limited renewal rules).

6) Graduation Alert: Transitioning to a PGWP

As of January 2026, moving from a study permit to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) marks a major shift in your spouse’s SOWP eligibility. While you are a student, your spouse qualifies based solely on your enrollment in a Master’s or PhD program. However, once you graduate and apply for a PGWP, you are classified as a Foreign Worker.

At that point, your spouse can only extend their work permit if you meet strict new employment criteria, which you can see in our Foreign Worker’s section.

Application Timeline

There is no single fixed timeline – it varies by country and workload. However, there are standard steps to follow.

If you need to know about the processing time, you can check our section that covers it.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

International student meets eligibility requirements

Holds a valid study permit, and is enrolled in one eligible category:
- Master’s degree 16 months or longer
- Doctoral degree program
- An eligible pilot/bridging program
- An eligible university professional degree (e.g., DDS/DMD, LLB/JD/BCL, MD, OD, PharmD/BSc/BPharm, DVM, nursing degrees, BEd, BEng/BE/BASc)

Applicant meets admissibility criteria

Meets general work-permit admissibility (background/security/health, etc.)
Can prove the relationship (spouse/common-law partner)

Step 2: Decide when you can apply

Depending on your situation, you can apply:

From outside Canada (before travelling), or
From inside Canada (if you’re eligible to apply from within Canada)

Step 3: Choose where you’ll apply from (inside vs outside Canada)

If you’re applying from outside Canada: You can apply online before you enter Canada (follow any country-specific instructions).
If you’re applying from inside Canada: You can apply from inside Canada only if you meet the “apply from inside Canada” eligibility rules (this often includes spouses/partners of study-permit holders).

Step 4: Prepare your documents (what’s actually checked)

Expect to provide proof of:

The student’s enrolment, such as:
- Letter of acceptance, or
- Proof of enrolment letter, or
- Transcripts
The student’s study permit
Eligible program proof (only if applying under a listed pilot/bridging program)
Relationship proof (marriage/common-law evidence)

If you need more information on what documents you need to show, you can check our article.

Step 5: Complete all forms (and answer the online tool questions correctly)

In most cases, the spouse/partner applies online.
Because of a known online-application technical issue, the applicant must answer the online questionnaire exactly as instructed based on where they apply:

Step 6: Pay fees

Total (typical): $255 CAD

$155 work permit fee
$100 open work permit holder fee

(Biometrics fee may apply separately, depending on the applicant.)

Step 7: Submit the application online

Upload documents, pay fees, and submit through the online account.

Step 8: Completeness check (first gate)

If anything required is missing, the application may be returned or refused without processing (this is where many delays happen).

Step 9: Biometrics stage (if required)

If biometrics are required, the applicant receives instructions after submission and must complete biometrics for processing to continue.

Step 10: Medical exam (only if required — conditional step)

A medical exam may be required if, for example:

the applicant plans to work in certain jobs (health care, childcare, primary/secondary schools, etc.), and/or
the applicant has lived/travelled for extended periods in certain countries before coming to Canada
If a medical exam is required, instructions will be issued, and it can add significant time to processing.

Step 11: Officer review + possible extra document request (and rare interview)

An officer reviews eligibility/admissibility and may request additional documents.
Interviews are possible but not routine (often only if clarification is needed).

Step 12: Approval outcome

If applying from outside Canada

The applicant receives a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction (this is not the work permit).
The actual work permit is issued when entering Canada.

If applying from inside Canada

If approved through in-Canada processing, the work permit is issued from within Canada (typically delivered by mail to the Canadian address on file).

Applying Inside VS Outside

There are 3 practical “where to apply” routes: outside Canada (online), inside Canada (online), or at the port of entry on arrival (only for some travellers). The best choice depends mainly on where you are physically and whether you’re visa-required or visa-exempt.

Quick “which route should we use?” guide

Choose outside Canada (online) if you’re abroad (or you want approval before travel), especially if you’re visa-required.
Choose inside Canada (online) if you’re already in Canada and you qualify to apply from inside (common for spouses of study permit holders).
Consider POE on arrival only if you’re visa-exempt and clearly meet POE requirements.

1) Applying from outside Canada (online, before you travel)

This is the most common option if the spouse/partner is abroad.

How it works

You apply online as an “outside Canada” applicant.
If approved, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction. This letter is not the work permit.
The actual work permit is printed/issued when you arrive in Canada and present your documents to the border officer.

Important “activation” warning

If you applied using the outside Canada process but you’re in Canada when you get the POE letter, you generally must leave and re-enter to activate the permit.

2) Applying from inside Canada (online)

This is usually the right route if the spouse/partner is already in Canada and qualifies to apply “in Canada.”

Who can apply from inside Canada

People who hold valid study/work permits and their family members can apply from within Canada (but being physically in Canada alone doesn’t automatically make someone eligible).

How it works

Most applicants must apply online (not at the border).
If approved from inside Canada, the permit/document is sent to your Canadian address (in practice, this is the “in-Canada” issuance route).

Border/flagpoling trap to avoid

Most foreign nationals already in Canada can no longer apply at a port of entry for an initial permit or extension.
Travelling to the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to access border services on return is specifically listed as not allowed for POE applications.

3) Applying at the port of entry (POE) when you arrive (only if eligible)

This is only an option for visa-exempt travellers.

Who may qualify

You must be from a visa-exempt country or be a visa-exempt traveler, and be eligible for an eTA or to travel without a visitor visa.
If you need a visitor visa (TRV), you cannot apply for a work permit at the POE—you must apply from outside Canada instead.

How to Extend SOWP

Extending a spouse open work permit is usually possible only if the student is still eligible under the current rules and the spouse applies before the work permit expires. Here’s the clean “what matters” checklist and the step-by-step process.

1) First: confirm you’re eligible to extend under the student-spouse stream

To extend an existing spouse open work permit based on the student’s status, the international student should generally meet all of these conditions at the time the extension application is submitted:

The student has a valid study permit
The student is (or will be) physically in Canada while studying
The student is a full-time student
The student is enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI)
The student is not in the last term of the study program

Also:

The spouse/partner can’t extend beyond the study permit expiry date (the work permit end date usually aligns with the student’s study permit end date).
If the spouse’s current work permit was shortened because of passport expiry, renewing the passport first is often essential.

2) Gather your extension documents (what you should be ready to show)

Prepare clear proof of:

Student

Copy of study permit
Proof of enrolment (current letter) and/or recent transcripts
Evidence the student is full-time and in a PGWP-eligible program (often stated in the enrolment letter; otherwise supported by school documentation)

Spouse/partner (principal applicant)

Copy of current open work permit
Relationship proof (marriage certificate or common-law evidence)
Passport (make sure validity covers the extension period)

3) Apply online from inside Canada (typical extension route)

Apply online to extend a work permit / change conditions
Upload documents + pay fees
Submit before the current permit expires

Fees (typical):

$155 work permit processing fee
$100 open work permit holder fee
(Total: $255)

4) While waiting: what happens to your status and ability to work

If you submit the extension before your current work permit expires, you can usually remain in Canada under maintained status while the application is processed.
In many cases, you can continue working under the same conditions while waiting (as long as you applied on time and stayed in Canada).

Travel caution: leaving Canada while on maintained status can complicate your ability to work when you return.

5) If you’re in the student’s last term, or the student is no longer eligible

If the student is in the final term or no longer meets the requirements above, an extension under the student-spouse stream may not be available. Common alternatives are:

Switching to visitor status, or
Qualifying for a work permit through a different pathway (for example, once the student becomes a worker under PGWP, eligibility may switch to the “spouse of foreign worker” rules instead).

6) If your work permit already expired

You generally must stop working immediately.
You may need to apply for restoration (if eligible), and you typically cannot work until restoration and the new permit are approved.

IRCC Application Process

Document Checklist Requirements

IRCC generates a personalized document checklist in your online account based on how you answer the questionnaire. You do not need to upload the IRCC PDF checklist itself. Officers may also request additional documents during processing.

1) Always Required (All SOWP Applications)

These documents are required regardless of the SOWP category:

Identity & Status

Passport (biographical pages + pages with stamps/visas)
Digital photo (if requested)
Proof of current status in Canada (if applying inside Canada: current visa/permit/visitor record)

Application Forms

Inside Canada: IMM 5710 (work permit form)
Outside Canada: IMM 1295 (work permit form)

Relationship Proof

Marriage certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)

Translations

Translations for any document not in English/French with translator’s declaration

Fees & Biometrics

Proof of payment of work permit fees
Biometrics receipt (if required)

2) Category-Specific Required Documents

Spouse of a Foreign Worker

Copy of the qualifying partner’s (the worker’s) valid work permit or port of entry letter
Proof that the partner’s work permit has at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of the application.
Employer letter confirming duties and NOC code, explicitly demonstrating the role is high-skilled (TEER 0/1) or in a Priority Sector (TEER 2/3).

Spouse of an International Student

Proof of enrolment in an eligible degree program (Master’s of 16+ months, PhD, or select Professional degree such as Law, Medicine, or Engineering)
Copy of the student’s valid study permit (if applying from inside Canada)
Proof of participation in an eligible program or pilot, if applicable

Open Work Permit During Spousal PR Sponsorship (In-Canada)

The Official AOR Letter received after the PR application has passed the initial completeness check.

3) Optional (Recommended) Supporting Documents

These are not strictly required by IRCC in every case but can strengthen your application or satisfy officer queries:

Relationship Evidence

Joint lease/mortgage agreements
Joint bank statements or shared financial accounts
Joint utility bills
Photographs together over time
Travel history showing shared trips

Spouse Employment Support (for worker category)

Recent pay stubs (minimum of 3)
Employment contract
Company letter with duties & NOC description

Status & Travel History

Entry/exit stamps from passports
Previous Canadian visas/permits

Health & Security (if applicable)

Proof of medical exams completed (if requested by IRCC)

Notes

IRCC may request additional documents after you apply. Always check your IRCC account messages.
Do not upload irrelevant documents; only submit what is asked or clearly supports your eligibility.

Always follow IRCC’s exact upload specifications and answer the online questionnaire accurately.

IRCC Processing Time

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes regularly updated processing time estimates through its official online tool. These estimates are not guaranteed timelines, but they provide a general indication of how long it may take to process a complete application from submission to final decision.

Because processing times can vary depending on the type of Spouse Open Work Permit, estimated timelines for each eligibility category are outlined above on this page.

What Can Affect SOWP Processing Time?

Actual processing times may vary based on factors such as:

whether the application is submitted from inside or outside Canada
the specific SOWP category being applied under
the completeness and accuracy of the application
the speed at which you complete biometrics (after receiving the instruction letter) or a medical exam.
IRCC’s overall application volume at the time of submission

Delays most commonly occur due to missing documents, incomplete forms, unpaid or incorrect fees (especially the biometrics fee, which must be paid upfront to trigger the instruction letter), or untranslated documents, as well as when IRCC needs to request additional information.

Applicants should refer to the official IRCC tool by selecting “Work permit from outside Canada” or “Work permit from inside Canada (initial or extension)” to get the most accurate estimate. for the most current estimates and ensure their application is complete before submission to avoid unnecessary delays.

IRCC Application Fees

When you apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP), you must pay the required fees set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While the $155 processing fee is generally non-refundable once work has begun, IRCC will automatically refund the $100 Open Work Permit Holder fee if your application is refused. You can find the most up-to-date fee information on the official IRCC website.

As of the latest official guidance, the standard application fees for an open work permit (including SOWP) are:

Work permit processing fee: CAD 155
Open work permit holder fee: CAD 100
Total (standard): CAD 255 (processing fee + holder fee)

Additionally:

A Biometrics fee of $85 CAD applies to most initial applications unless you have provided them within the last 10 years.

Fees are subject to change, and the amounts you must pay will be automatically calculated and presented in your online application before you submit it. Always verify the fees in your IRCC account and on the linked official IRCC page before payment.

Application Status Tracker

After submitting your Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) application, you can track its progress using IRCC’s official tools. Most updates will appear in your IRCC secure online account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner).

Key updates may include:

Requests for additional documents
Biometrics instructions
Medical exam requests (if applicable)
Final decision on the work permit application

Unlike permanent residence applications, Spouse Open Work Permit applications usually do not use the Application Status Tracker. While standard SOWP applications (for workers or students) are tracked exclusively through the IRCC Secure Account, those applied for under the Inland Spousal Sponsorship pathway may show some milestones in the Application Status Tracker once the Official AOR is received.

If your application was submitted by a representative or through a different portal, you must link your application to your personal IRCC Secure Account to receive direct notifications and document requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Use the search bar to explore 30+ Spousal Open Work Permit FAQs.

How long does it take to get a spouse open work permit in Canada?

The processing time for a spouse’s work permit in Canada varies depending on the type of application. Spouses of foreign workers, international students, or inland PR applicants can expect different timelines, generally ranging from a few weeks to several months. Processing speed depends on the stream, country of residence, and IRCC workload. Read full answer

What is the success rate of a spouse open work permit?

IRCC does not publish an official success rate for spouse open work permits, but approval rates are generally high when eligibility is clear and documentation is strong. Most refusals are caused by weak relationship evidence or incomplete applications. Read full answer

What is the new rule for spouse open work permit?

As of January 21, 2025, Canada’s spouse open work permit rules have tighter eligibility: spouses of international students qualify only if the student is in certain long or professional programs, and spouses of foreign workers qualify only if the worker is in high-skill or priority occupations with sufficient permit duration. These changes aim to align temporary residence with labor market needs. Read full answer

Why is a spouse's open work permit refused in Canada?

A spouse’s open work permit is most often refused due to ineligible principal applicants, weak relationship evidence, or incomplete applications. Most refusals can be avoided with proper eligibility assessment and strong documentation. Read full answer

How to apply for spouse open work permit

To apply for a spouse open work permit, you must confirm eligibility, prepare proof of your relationship and your spouse’s legal status in Canada, and submit an online application to IRCC. Processing steps and document requirements vary depending on the principal applicant’s situation. Read full answer

Can i extend my work permit in canada

Yes, you can extend a spousal open work permit if your spouse still meets eligibility requirements and you apply before your permit expires. Extensions depend on whether the original qualifying conditions continue to apply. Read full answer

How much proof of funds for spouse open work permit Canada?

There is no fixed or specific proof-of-funds requirement for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) in Canada. However, the IRCC may require proof that the couple can support themselves financially during the processing of the application. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the sponsor’s income, employment status, and overall financial situation. The couple must demonstrate that they will not need to rely on social assistance while the application is being processed. Read full answer

When to apply for spouse open work permit

You should apply for a spouse open work permit as soon as the principal applicant meets eligibility requirements and you have all supporting documents ready. Applying early helps reduce delays and avoid status or eligibility issues. Read full answer

Can I apply for a PGWP and spouse open work permit together?

Applying simultaneously from either inside or outside Canada is generally illogical because you cannot yet provide the mandatory 2025 evidence of your approved PGWP, 16 months of permit validity, and three high-skilled paystubs. If an officer reviews the SOWP application before your PGWP is officially finalized, they will almost certainly reject it because the “Principal Applicant” (you) does not yet hold the required status or employment proof.

To avoid a refusal on your spouse’s record and a waste of fees, the only safe strategy is to wait until your PGWP is approved and you have your job documents in hand before they apply. Read full answer

Can I study on a spouse open work permit in Canada?

You can study without a permit for programs under six months or if you applied for your SOWP by June 7, 2023, under a specific public policy. For longer programs outside these exceptions, you will need a study permit, but as an in-Canada work permit holder, you are generally exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. Most importantly, holding an SOWP allows you to work full-time while you study, bypassing the off campus 24-hour weekly work limit that applies to regular international students. Read full answer

Who can apply for a spouse open work permit?

Eligibility for a Spousal Open Work Permit is now restricted to three primary categories: spouses of international students in advanced programs, spouses of foreign workers (excluding their dependent children), and partners under in-Canada spousal sponsorship. Under 2025 rules, student eligibility is limited to Master’s, PhD, or select professional degrees, while foreign workers typically must hold 16 months of permit validity in a high-skilled or shortage-sector role. Conversely, those on a permanent residency pathway or under in-Canada sponsorship are granted more flexibility, requiring only six months of validity or proof of a submitted PR application. Read full answer

Which TEER is eligible for a spouse open work permit?

TEER levels (job classifications) are the primary gatekeeper for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) for foreign workers, requiring the principal applicant to hold a TEER 0 or 1 role, or a select TEER 2 or 3 position in a priority sector such as healthcare, construction, or STEM. To qualify, the worker’s permit must also have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of application, and they must provide recent paystubs and an employment letter as proof. However, an exception exists for those on a Permanent Residency (PR) pathway, where the TEER level requirement is waived and the permit validity requirement is reduced to just six months. Read full answer

Which courses are eligible for a spousal open work permit?

As of January 21, 2025, Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility for international students is strictly restricted to partners of those enrolled in PhD programs, Master’s degrees of at least 16 months, or select professional university degrees like Law, Medicine, and Engineering. Consequently, spouses of students in standard undergraduate programs, college diplomas, or post-graduate certificates are generally ineligible for an OWP under these new regulations. To secure or extend status, students must maintain full-time enrollment and apply before their final term, with the resulting work permit typically matching the duration of the student’s study permit. Read full answer

Can I get a work permit if my spouse is studying in Canada?

Starting January 21, 2025, SOWP eligibility is strictly limited to spouses of students in PhD programs, Master’s degrees (16+ months), and specific professional degrees such as Medicine, Law, or Engineering. Spouses of students in standard undergraduate, diploma, or certificate programs – including Master’s degrees shorter than 16 months – are generally ineligible for this permit. Applicants must provide proof of the student’s full-time enrollment, apply before the final term of study, and note that applications submitted before the 2025 deadline are exempt from these new restrictions. Read full answer

Does a spouse get an open work permit in Canada?

As of January 21, 2025, Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility is strictly limited to partners of international students in PhD, 16-month Master’s, or select professional degree programs (such as Law and Medicine) who are not in their final academic term. Foreign workers can support an SOWP if they hold at least 16 months of permit validity in a high-skilled or shortage-sector role, though this requirement is reduced to six months for those already on a designated Permanent Residency (PR) pathway. Additionally, spouses under Inland Sponsorship qualify once they receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), or sooner if their current status expires within 14 days of their PR application submission. Read full answer

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

As of January 21, 2025, spouses of international students in PhD, 16-month Master’s, or select professional programs, as well as foreign workers in high-skilled or shortage-sector roles with 16 months of permit validity, can apply for an SOWP from outside Canada. However, this outland pathway is not available for In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship applicants, and approved foreign applicants receive a Letter of Introduction that must be exchanged for a physical permit at the border upon arrival. To succeed, applicants must prove “dual intent” and their partner’s eligibility while securing the necessary TRV or eTA to travel. Read full answer

Can I bring my spouse on a work permit?

Yes, your spouse may qualify for an open work permit depending on your situation. Most commonly, inland sponsorship applicants can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit, and spouses of certain workers or students may also qualify under family member work permit rules. Read full answer

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

Sponsored spouses applying inland can usually expect to receive their open work permit in about 4–6 months. The exact timeline depends on IRCC’s workload, how quickly biometrics and other required steps are completed, and whether additional documents are needed. Read full answer

Does applying for an open work permit and PR together change the timeline?

No, applying for an open work permit and permanent residence together does not change the PR processing timeline. The work permit is processed separately and only allows the sponsored spouse to work while waiting; it does not speed up or slow down the PR decision. Read full answer

What are the new rules for spousal work permits in Canada?

As of January 21, 2025, Canada tightened spousal open work-permit rules so that spouses qualify only if the principal worker:

works in TEER 0–1 or listed eligible TEER 2/3 occupations
has at least 16 months of work-permit validity

For international students, only spouses of those in master’s (16+ months), PhD, or approved professional degrees qualify.
Dependent children of foreign workers or international students can no longer apply for a spousal-type open work permit.
Inland spousal-sponsorship open work permits remain unchanged, existing permits issued before the rule change stay valid, and exemptions apply for certain free-trade agreement categories and workers transitioning to permanent residence. Read full answer