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

Yes, you can apply together, but with caution. You can apply “simultaneously” in specific cases—but the rules for a PGWP application changed significantly on January 21, 2025. While IRCC technically allows a “group submission” if your spouse is inside Canada, it is now higher risk than it used to be. Under the new “High-Skilled Worker Model,” your spouse’s approval is tied to your job type and your permit’s remaining length.

Step 1: Where is your spouse/partner right now?

• Inside Canada: Separate is safer, but group submission is possible.
• Outside Canada: Applying together is usually not practical. It is safer for you to apply for PGWP first, wait for approval, get your high-skilled job, and then have your spouse apply. This prevents a refusal based on “lack of proof” regarding your future employment. You cannot prove you have a “high-skilled job” (required for SOWP) until you actually receive your PGWP and start working.

Step 2: The “Timing Trap” (Refusal Risk)

If you apply together, IRCC processes the PGWP application first. However, if an officer opens your spouse’s file before your PGWP is approved, they must refuse the SOWP because the “Principal Applicant” (you) is not yet a PGWP holder.

Pro-Tip: If your spouse’s status is not expiring soon, the “Gold Standard” for approval is:

1. Apply for PGWP.
2. Wait for the approval.
3. Once approved, your spouse applies with your PGWP copy + Job Offer + Paystubs.

Step 3: Critical Requirements (Effective January 21, 2025)

To succeed, you must meet these 4 mandatory pillars at the time the SOWP is processed:

1. The 16-Month Rule: your PGWP must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time your spouse applies. If your passport expires soon, your PGWP might be issued for a shorter period, which could cause an automatic SOWP refusal.
2. Physical Residency: You must be living (or planning to live) in Canada while working.
3. The High-Skilled Job Requirement: you must be employed in a high-skilled role.
   Read more about it, in our FAQ “Which TEER is eligible for a spouse open work permit?”
   

• TEER 0 & 1: Always eligible (Management, Professional roles).
• TEER 2 & 3: Only eligible if in specific shortage sectors. * Includes: Healthcare, STEM, Construction, Agriculture, and Education.
  • Excludes: Most “general” office or retail supervisor roles.

4. Proof of Employment: you must provide a letter from your employer and your recent paystubs. This is why applying “simultaneously” is hard—you often don’t have paystubs the day you graduate.

If “Applying Together” is so risky, why does the option exist?

1. The “Maintained Status” Extension: If your spouse already has an SOWP and it is expiring, they can apply for a work permit extension alongside your PGWP application to “maintain their status.” They may still face a refusal later if you don’t get a high-skilled job quickly, but it allows them to keep working legally while the application is in the queue.
2. The “Already Working” Graduate: If you were already working in a high-skilled job (TEER 0/1) during your studies (e.g., as a part-time professional) and have your paystubs ready the day you graduate, you might squeeze through.

The Only “Safe” 2025 Strategy both for inside and outside applicants

1. Month 1: Apply for your PGWP alone.
2. Month 2-3: Wait for the PGWP approval (usually 2-4 months).
3. Month 4-6: Start your high-skilled job and collect your first 3 paystubs.
4. Month 7: Your spouse applies. Since a PGWP is usually for 3 years, you will still have ~29 months remaining, easily passing the 16-month rule.

Need assistance with a spousal open work permit 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 Fees 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.