SOWP Requirements for Spouses of PGWP Holders
A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) for the spouse or common-law partner of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holder is assessed under the same rules that apply to spouses of foreign workers. Eligibility is based on the PGWP holder’s job, NOC 2021 code, and TEER level—not the PGWP alone. IRCC also looks at remaining work authorization, whether the PGWP holder is working in Canada, and the supporting employment documents. In some cases, a PGWP and SOWP can be filed together, but the spouse’s application may depend on the PGWP being approved first. The same eligibility requirements also generally apply when the spouse applies to extend the open work permit.
PGWP Holder Eligibility and NOC Requirements
For spouses of spousal open work permit for a PGWP holder holders, eligibility is based on the holder’s occupation and its NOC/TEER classification, not on the permit itself. Because a Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit, IRCC looks at whether the holder is employed, or will be employed, in an eligible job at the time of the spouse or common-law partner’s application.
In most cases, the Post-Graduation Work Permit holder’s job must be in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, or in one of IRCC’s eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations.
NOC selection is important and should be based on the actual job duties, not the job title alone. In Post-Graduation Work Permit-based cases, the employment letter and job duties are often key evidence supporting the selected NOC.
A clear employment letter is one of the most important documents in these cases. It should include the job title, main duties, hours per week, wage, start date, and employer contact details. Recent pay stubs are also commonly included to help confirm that the employment is genuine and ongoing.
Under the Spousal Open Work Permit New Rules that took effect on January 21, 2025, IRCC narrowed this family open work permit measure so that it generally applies only to spouses and common-law partners. Dependent children are generally no longer eligible under this measure.
Post-Graduation Work Permit-based spousal open work permit applications are assessed under the same general rules as those that apply to foreign workers. For more information on eligibility, NOC/TEER requirements, and supporting documents, see our SOWP for Spouses of Foreign Workers page.
Applying for a PGWP and a SOWP at the Same Time
In some cases, a Post-Graduation Work Permit application and a spousal open work permit application can be submitted at the same time as a family group. This is generally possible when the Post-Graduation Work Permit applicant is submitting the Post-Graduation Work Permit application and the spouse or common-law partner is already in Canada and meets the requirements to apply from inside Canada. However, there are several important points to keep in mind:
- Timing risk if the Post-Graduation Work Permit is still pending: If the spouse applies after the Post-Graduation Work Permit application is submitted but before a decision is made, IRCC indicates that the Post-Graduation Work Permit must be approved before the spouse’s application can be processed. The spousal open work permit may be refused if the Post-Graduation Work Permit decision has not been made by the time the spouse’s application is reviewed.
- Proof IRCC typically expects in Post-Graduation Work Permit-based cases: IRCC generally expects documents such as a letter from the Post-Graduation Work Permit holder’s current employer confirming employment details, including job duties and the NOC/TEER classification, or a job offer letter that includes the NOC/TEER.
- If both applications are submitted together: IRCC notes that when the spouse applies at the same time as the principal Post-Graduation Work Permit applicant, proof of how long the principal applicant can or will be legally authorized to work in Canada is not usually required.
Practical note: Where the spouse’s eligibility depends on the Post-Graduation Work Permit holder’s job and NOC/TEER classification, waiting until the Post-Graduation Work Permit is approved and clear job evidence is available may help reduce refusal risk.
Learn more about Spousal Open Work Permit processing time.
