Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)

The SOWP is an open work permit, meaning it allows spouses or common-law partners to work in Canada for any employer across Canada, no job offer or LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) required. It’s available across various contexts:

• Spouses of international students
• Spouses of foreign workers (including those on work permits)
• Spouses of permanent residence applicants (inland sponsorship) (have an Acknowledgment of Receipt, or AOR)

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Moving to Canada with your partner is exciting, but it can feel confusing, too. The Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) makes life a lot easier.

Here’s why: it lets spouses or common-law partners work for any employer. No job offer is needed. No special approvals. That means more freedom, stability, and chances to grow together in Canada.

This guide explains:

• How the SOWP works
• Who can apply
• The 2025 updates
• Step-by-step eligibility

✅ Don’t wait to explore your future. Get your personalized plan by filling out the form.

Scenario	Eligibility Conditions	Validity & Fees
Spouse of international student	Student must be enrolled in qualifying master’s (≥ 16 months), PhD, or select professional programs	Matches student’s permit; CAD 255
Spouse of foreign (high-skilled) worker	Worker must hold ≥ 16 months on permit; be in TEER 0/1 (or select TEER 2/3) occupation	Matches worker’s permit; CAD 255
Inland PR applicant’s spouse	You live in Canada, sponsor submitted PR application under SCLPC, and you have AOR	Matches PR applicant’s permit; CAD 255
Other cases (e.g., spouse of low-skilled worker or student in undergrad)	Not eligible post-January 21, 2025	—

What Is the Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

The SOWP is an open work permit, which means:

• You can work for any employer in Canada
• No job offer or LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is required
• Available in several situations:
  • Spouses of international students
  • Spouses of foreign workers (on work permits)
  • Spouses of permanent residence applicants (inland sponsorship with AOR)

Who Can Get the SOWP?

There are three main paths. Let’s break them down.

1. Inland Sponsorship (Inside Canada)

This is for couples where one partner is being sponsored for permanent residence in Canada.

You may be eligible if:

• Living with your partner in Canada
• Your partner applied for PR under Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class
• You received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC

Why it matters:
You can work while waiting for your permanent residency. It keeps income flowing and life normal.

Friendly tip: Keep all proof of your relationship handy. Even small documents, like photos or joint bills, help show your bond.

2. Spouses of International Students

If your partner studies in Canada, you might qualify too. But starting January 21, 2025, rules changed.

Eligibility now requires:

• The student is in a master’s program (16 months or longer)
• Or a PhD program
• Or certain professional degrees like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, Nursing, Education

Why it helps:
Even if your partner is busy with studies, you can work. It’s a chance to gain Canadian experience, improve your language skills, or even save for future plans.

Quick story: A friend’s spouse was studying a master’s program in Toronto. With the SOWP, they got a part-time job nearby. It made the adjustment to Canada much smoother.

3. Spouses of Foreign Workers

If your partner works in Canada on a high-skilled permit, you may also get the SOWP.

How the SOWP Helps

Getting the SOWP can change daily life. Here’s what it allows:

• Work for any employer, no restrictions
• Earn money to support family or study goals
• Build Canadian work experience
• Reduce stress while waiting for your PR

Short example:
A couple came to Canada from India. The partner was on a study permit. The SOWP let the other work part-time in retail. It helped cover rent, groceries, and gave confidence while adjusting to a new country.

✅ Encouragement: Even small jobs in Canada make a big difference. Don’t underestimate the value of your first Canadian paycheck.

Summary Table of Eligibility

Scenario	Key Requirements	Notes
Inland Sponsorship	Living in Canada, sponsor applied for PR, AOR received	Can work while waiting for PR
Student’s Spouse	Partner in 16+ month master’s, PhD, or eligible professional program	Work while partner studies
Worker’s Spouse	Partner has 16+ months left on high-skilled permit (TEER 0/1/2/3)	Can work while partner works

How to Apply

Applying for the SOWP isn’t scary. You can do most of it online, step by step. Here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Check eligibility

• Make sure your path fits one of the three scenarios: inland sponsorship, student’s spouse, or worker’s spouse.
• Confirm your partner’s permit or program meets the 2025 requirements.

Step 2: Gather documents

• Passport and ID
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, joint bills, photos)
• Partner’s study or work permit
• AOR if applying through inland sponsorship

Step 3: Fill out the online forms

• Use IRCC’s official portal
• Follow instructions carefully
• Upload clear copies of documents

Step 4: Pay the fees

• Total is CAD 255 (CAD 155 processing + CAD 100 open work permit fee)

Step 5: Submit and wait

• Keep a copy of your confirmation
• You can check your status online
• Processing times vary

Encouraging note: Don’t worry if it feels confusing. Take it one step at a time. Even starting the application is progress!

What to Include in Your SOWP Application

Documents make or break your application. Here’s a simple list by scenario:

Inland Sponsorship:

• AOR from IRCC
• Proof of living together in Canada
• Marriage or common-law proof
• Your passport copy

Student’s Spouse:

• Proof of partner’s enrollment (acceptance letter, transcripts)
• Program length and type proof
• Relationship proof

Worker’s Spouse:

• Partner’s work permit
• Job type (TEER category) proof
• Relationship proof

✅ Tips for Success

A few simple tips can make the journey easier:

• Apply early: Don’t wait until your partner’s permit is about to expire
• Keep proofs ready: Relationship documents, permits, AORs
• Check eligibility carefully: Especially for 2025 rules
• Stay organized: Use a folder or checklist for all documents
• Ask for help: If unsure, filling out a free assessment form can guide your next steps

The Bottom Line

The Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) is a wonderful opportunity for couples moving to Canada. It allows:

• Working freely anywhere in Canada
• Supporting each other financially
• Gaining Canadian experience while waiting for permanent residency

Rules changed in 2025, but understanding them makes the process much easier. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Taking that first step, checking eligibility, gathering documents, or filling out an assessment form, is progress.

Personal touch: A friend once told, “Even though it felt confusing at first, every document I prepared brought me closer to working in Canada alongside my spouse.” You can feel the same sense of progress too.

FAQs