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Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Foreign Workers, International Students and through PR Pathway
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Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) 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, Canada tightened Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) rules, with major restrictions starting January 21, 2025, and eligibility now depends heavily on the principal applicant’s situation at the time of filing. Most cases fall into three groups: (1) inland PR-sponsored spouses/common-law partners living together in Canada, (2) spouses of foreign workers where the worker must be in TEER 0–1 (or eligible priority TEER 2–3) and have 16+ months remaining on their work authorization—especially relevant for PGWP holders, since a permit alone is no longer enough—and (3) spouses of international students, generally limited to students in Master’s (16+ months), PhD, 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.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Extension

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Canada 2026

General IRCC Extension Rules

Extending a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is not automatic—you must still meet IRCC’s requirements on the day you apply, and your extension is usually tied to the principal applicant’s continued eligibility (for example, an inland PR sponsorship in process, or a spouse of a foreign worker/international student who still qualifies under the current rules). To avoid losing work authorization, apply before your permit expires so you can maintain legal status while IRCC processes the request. A well-prepared extension submission helps prevent gaps in status and reduces the risk of delays caused by missing documents or eligibility issues. If anything has changed since your original permit (job, status, program, or category), it’s important to confirm you still qualify before applying.

Who can Sponsor their Spouse for Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada

Citizens & Permanent Residents

If you’re being sponsored for Canadian permanent residence (PR) as a spouse or common-law partner and you’re living in Canada with your sponsor, you may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) while your PR application is being processed.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

The applicant must generally:

  • Be sponsored as a spouse (legally married) or common-law partner (12 continuous months of cohabitation)
  • Be cohabiting in Canada with the sponsor and plan to continue living together
  • Be able to show the relationship is genuine
  • Be admissible (criminality, security, or certain medical issues can still affect approval)
  • Have valid temporary status, maintained status, or be eligible for restoration
    • If the applicant is out of status and the PR file is processed under an in-Canada public policy, they typically must wait for Approval in Principle (AIP) before applying for the SOWP

SPONSOR ELIGIBILITY

The sponsor must generally:

  • Be 18+ and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or registered under the Indian Act)
  • Be living in Canada
  • Not be receiving social assistance (except disability)
  • Not be ineligible due to common bars (e.g., defaulted undertakings/immigration loans/support payments, imprisonment, undischarged bankruptcy, certain serious convictions, or the 5-year sponsorship bar)

Important note: This SOWP option is tied to inside Canada spousal/common-law sponsorship. Conjugal partner sponsorship does not qualify.

International Students

Canada now limits spouse open work permits for international students to specific study programs. A spouse open work permit generally allows work for most employers in Canada, but it is not valid for employers on IRCC’s ineligible employer list or for certain restricted industries under IRCC rules.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Your spouse/common-law partner may be eligible if all of the following are true:

  • You (the student) have a valid study permit.
  • You are enrolled in an eligible program (listed below).
  • Your spouse/partner can provide proof of relationship and documents confirming your enrolment.

ELIGIBLE STUDENT PROGRAMS

in effect since January 21, 2025

  • Master’s degree program of 16 months or longer, or
  • Doctoral (PhD) program, or
  • One of IRCC’s listed university professional degree programs, including Dentistry (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), or
  • Participation in an IRCC-listed eligible pilot/special program (for example, FMCSP outside Quebec and certain provincial nursing/health bridging initiatives listed by IRCC).

DOCUMENT REQUIRMENTS

  • Proof of your enrolment (letter of acceptance, proof of enrolment letter, or transcripts)
  • Proof you’re in an eligible pilot/special program (if applicable—such as a province/territory letter or participating school confirmation)
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or common-law evidence)

Who usually doesn’t qualify now: spouses/partners of most undergraduate programs, most college diplomas/certificates, and master’s programs under 16 months, unless IRCC’s limited exceptions apply.

Note: After graduation, if you move to a PGWP, your spouse’s eligibility may be assessed under the spouse of foreign worker rules instead.

NOC CODE ELIGIBILITY

NOC/TEER codes do not apply to the student-based spouse open work permit. They become relevant only if the principal applicant becomes a foreign worker (for example, on a PGWP), because worker-based spouse open work permits are assessed using the worker’s occupation/TEER criteria under IRCC rules.

Foreign Workers

A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)  may allow the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker to work for most employers in Canada. It is not valid for employers on IRCC’s ineligible list or other restricted employment categories under IRCC rules.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The foreign worker (principal applicant) must, at the time the spouse applies:

  • Have valid work authorization (for example, a work permit or a port of entry letter of introduction, where applicable)
  • Have at least 16 months of work authorization remaining when IRCC receives the spouse/partner’s application
  • Be living (or planning to live) in Canada while working
  • Work in an eligible occupation: TEER 0 or 1, or a select TEER 2/3 occupation on IRCC’s eligible list

The spouse/common-law partner (applicant) must generally:

  • Prove a genuine relationship (marriage certificate or common-law evidence)
  • Meet normal work-permit requirements (and if applying from inside Canada, have valid status, maintained status, or be eligible for restoration, where applicable)

Important notes:

  • Dependent children of foreign workers are not eligible for an open work permit under these rules.
  • Some categories may be treated differently (for example, certain free-trade agreement work permits and some transitioning-to-PR situations).

NOC CODE ELIGIBILITY

IRCC assesses eligibility using the worker’s 5-digit NOC code (NOC 2021) and TEER level, not the job title alone. Officers compare the worker’s actual duties to the NOC’s lead statement and main duties, so the employer letter should clearly describe duties that match the selected NOC and include basic job details (title, hours, wage, location, and employment dates).

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

Post Graduate Work Permit Holders

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holder is treated as a foreign worker, so their spouse or common-law partner’s SOWP eligibility is based on the PGWP holder’s current job, not the permit alone. As of January 21, 2025, IRCC generally limits spouse open work permits to partners of foreign workers employed in TEER 0 or 1, or in select TEER 2 or 3 occupations on IRCC’s eligible list, and the worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work authorization when IRCC receives the application.

The spouse/common-law partner must also prove a genuine relationship and meet normal work-permit requirements. Dependent children of foreign workers are not eligible for an open work permit under these rules.

Spousal Open Work Permit Application

Timeline

After you submit a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application, IRCC generally processes it through a series of stages. Not every file goes through every step, and the order can vary depending on your category and whether you apply from inside or outside Canada.

  • Submission and intake: You submit the application online and receive confirmation in your account.
  • Completeness check: IRCC reviews the file to confirm required forms and uploads are included. If something important is missing, the application may be returned.
  • Biometrics (if required): IRCC issues biometrics instructions after submission, and processing typically cannot move forward until biometrics are completed.
  • Medical exam (only if required): A medical exam is not automatic. If needed, IRCC sends instructions and the results must be received before a final decision.
  • Officer review: An officer assesses eligibility and admissibility and may request additional documents or clarification.
  • Decision and issuance: If approved, you receive a decision in your account. Work permit issuance depends on where you applied—inside-Canada approvals are typically mailed, while outside-Canada approvals usually result in a Port of Entry letter, with the permit issued when you enter Canada.

Inside vs Outside Canada

Where you apply from affects how you submit the application and how the work permit is issued. In practice, there are three routes: applying outside Canada, inside Canada, or in limited cases at a port of entry on arrival.

APPLYING FROM OUTSIDE CANADA

This is common if the spouse/partner is abroad or wants approval before travelling. If approved, IRCC issues a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction—the actual work permit is printed when the applicant enters Canada.
Activation note: If someone applies as an outside-Canada applicant but is physically in Canada when the POE letter is issued, they generally must leave and re-enter to receive the actual permit at the border.

APPLYING FROM INSIDE CANADA

If the spouse/partner is already in Canada and eligible to apply from within Canada, this route avoids needing to leave Canada to “activate” the permit. Approval appears in the online account and the physical work permit is typically mailed to the Canadian address. IRCC also notes that most foreign nationals already in Canada can no longer apply for a work permit at a port of entry and must apply online for initial permits and extensions.

Travel caution (inland applicants): If you’re in Canada on maintained status and leave Canada, IRCC warns you can lose your ability to work when you return until a decision is made.

APPLYING AT THE PORT OF ENTRY (POE)

Applying at the border/airport is only possible for people who meet IRCC’s POE eligibility rules, and IRCC generally recommends applying before travel. 

Document Checklist Requirements

IRCC creates a personalized document checklist in your IRCC online account based on how you answer the questionnaire. You don’t upload the IRCC PDF checklist—you upload the documents your account requests. IRCC may also request additional documents during processing.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

  • Identity & status
    • Passport (bio page + any stamped/visa pages)
    • Digital photo (if requested)
    • If applying inside Canada: proof of current status (permit/visitor record, if applicable)
  • Application form
  • Relationship proof
    • Marriage certificate or IMM 5409 (common-law)
  • Translations
    • Certified English/French translations + translator declaration for any non-English/French documents
  • Biometrics
    • If required, follow the biometrics instructions in your account and upload any requested proof (if applicable)

CATEGORY-SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS

Spouse/common-law partner of a foreign worker

  • Worker’s valid work permit (or port of entry letter, if applicable)
  • Proof the worker has 16+ months of work authorization remaining when IRCC receives the application
  • Employer letter confirming job details and duties supporting the worker’s eligible NOC/TEER

Spouse/common-law partner of an international student

  • Proof of enrolment in an eligible program (Master’s 16+ months, PhD, or IRCC-listed professional degree/pilot)
  • Student’s valid study permit (if applicable / requested)
  • Pilot/special program confirmation (if applicable)

Open work permit during inland spousal/common-law PR sponsorship

  • Official AOR letter confirming the PR sponsorship application passed the completeness check

Optional supporting documents (recommended)

  • Extra relationship evidence (shared address/finances, photos over time, travel history)
  • For the worker category: recent pay stubs and/or employment contract (if helpful or requested)

Tip: Upload only what IRCC asks for (plus clearly relevant supporting evidence) and check your IRCC account regularly for document requests.

IRCC Processing Time​

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

Processing times can vary depending on the SOWP category and whether you apply from inside or outside Canada. Use IRCC’s processing-time tool for the most current estimate.

WHAT CAN AFFECT SOWP PROCESSING TIME?

  • Where you apply (inside vs outside Canada)
  • The SOWP category you apply under
  • Application completeness and accuracy
  • How quickly you complete biometrics (and a medical exam, if required)
  • IRCC’s overall application volume at the time of submission

Delays most often happen due to missing documents, incomplete forms, unpaid/incorrect fees (including biometrics), untranslated documents, or when IRCC requests additional information.

HOW TO TRACK YOUR SOWP APPLICATION

After you apply, most updates appear in your IRCC online account or, for some application types, the IRCC portal. Updates may include:

  • requests for additional documents
  • biometrics instructions
  • medical exam requests (if applicable)
  • the final decision

Most SOWP applications do not use the Application Status Tracker. However, if your work permit is connected to an inland spousal sponsorship PR application, some milestones may appear in the tracker after you receive the official AOR for the PR file.

If a representative submitted your application or it was filed through a different portal, you may need to link the application to your IRCC secure account to receive direct notifications and document requests.

Application Fees

When you apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), you must pay the required fees set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit processing fee is generally non-refundable once processing starts, while the open work permit holder fee is typically refunded if the application is refused. Always confirm the latest amounts on IRCC’s fee page.

IRCC FEES

  • Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
  • Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
    Total: $255 CAD

Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person 

THIRD-PARTY COSTS

  • Medical exam (only if required): ~$200–$450+ CAD per person 
  • Police certificates (if required/requested): ~$0–$100+ CAD per certificate 
  • Translations/certified copies: ~$30–$80+ CAD per page (plus possible notarization)
  • Photos: ~$15–$25 CAD
  • Courier/shipping & document issuance: ~$20–$80 CAD within Canada; ~$50–$150+ CAD internationally

Fees can change, and your IRCC online application will calculate the total before you submit—always verify the final amount in your account and on IRCC’s official pages.

If you’re looking for professional help, you can review our professional fees for service options and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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