Spousal Open Work Permit Document Checklist
IRCC generates a personalized Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) document checklist in the IRCC secure account after the online eligibility questionnaire is completed. The list of required documents depends on the applicant’s situation, including whether the principal applicant is an international student, a foreign worker, or applying through another eligible pathway.
The documents shown in the IRCC account are the ones that must be uploaded. Applicants should follow the instructions in their account, label files clearly, and check the account regularly, as IRCC may request additional documents at any stage of processing.
General Documents
Most Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) applications require a core set of identity, relationship, and supporting documents.
IDENTITY & STATUS
- Passport (biographical page + any pages with stamps/visas/markings, if requested)
- Digital photo (as specified in your checklist)
- If applying inside Canada: proof of current temporary resident status (work permit, study permit, or visitor record, if applicable)
- If applying for Spouse Open Work Permit Extension from inside Canada: a copy of the current work permit
APPLICATION FORM
RELATIONSHIP PROOF
- Spouses: official government-issued marriage certificate
- Common-law partners: IMM 5409 + supporting evidence of cohabitation (if requested)
TRANSLATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
For any document not in English or French, submit:
- complete English/French translation
- certified copy of the original document
- translator affidavit, if required (for example, if not completed by a certified translator)
BIOMETRICS (IF REQUIRED)
If biometrics are required, you will receive instructions in your IRCC account after submission. Upload proof only if it appears in your document checklist.
OPTIONAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (RECOMMENDED)
- Additional relationship evidence (joint lease, shared finances, photos over time, travel history, etc.)
- For the worker category: employment contract and additional recent pay stubs, if helpful or requested
- You may also include Spousal Open Work Permit Proof of Funds if it helps clarify how you’ll support yourself in Canada.
Important tip
Upload only the documents requested in your IRCC account, plus clearly relevant supporting evidence. Check your IRCC account regularly for messages and document requests.
Spouses of International Students
If the principal applicant is an international student, documents confirming their status and enrolment in an eligible program may be required to support the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application.
- Proof of enrolment in an eligible program (e.g., master’s 16+ months, PhD, eligible professional degree, pilot/special program if applicable). The document should confirm that the student is enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) in a program that qualifies for spousal open work permit eligibility.
- Copy of the student’s valid study permit, if requested. The study permit should show that the student holds valid study status in Canada and that the permit remains valid at the time of the SOWP application.
- Proof of full-time enrolment, such as a letter of enrolment from the school or an official transcript confirming that the student is actively studying on a full-time basis in the eligible program.
Learn more about the Spousal Open Work Permit for spouses of international students.
Spouses of Foreign Workers
If the principal applicant is a foreign worker, documents confirming their valid work status and eligible employment may be required to support the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application.
- Copy of the principal applicant’s valid work permit (or Letter of Introduction / Port of Entry (POE) Letter, if applicable), showing that the worker holds valid authorization to work in Canada.
- Proof that the worker’s authorization will remain valid for at least 16 months after IRCC receives the application, if required for the specific SOWP eligibility stream.
- Proof that the worker is employed in an eligible occupation, which may include:
- an employer letter confirming job title, duties, and the NOC/TEER classification of the position
- recent pay stubs (recommended and commonly requested) showing ongoing employment and income.
Learn more about the Spousal Open Work Permit for spouses of foreign workers.
Applying for SOWP During PR Sponsorship
If applying for an open work permit while being sponsored inside Canada:
- Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) confirming the PR sponsorship application passed the completeness check
- Proof of valid temporary resident status in Canada, if applicable
- IMM 5707 (Family Information Form), if requested
- Birth certificates of dependent children, if applicable, showing both parents’ names
- Upload documents exactly where your personalized checklist instructs (often under “Client Information”)
You can also learn more about Spousal Sponsorship in Canada.
