Spousal Open Work Permit

Why Spousal Open Work Permit?

  • While you wait, work in Canada
  • Reside in Canada with your spouse
  • Earn money in Canadian dollars.
  • Select your employer.
  • Be given priority over LMIA.
  • Obtain work experience in Canada

Spousal Open Work Permit

In Canada, a spouse or common-law partner of a temporary Canadian permit holder is granted a spousal open work permit (SOWP). The spouse can now work in Canada as a result.

In Canada, spouses or common-law partners may apply for visas through the following programs:

Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers [C41]: The spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers who are employed in Canada or who wish to immigrate there may apply for an open work visa under this program, even in the absence of a job offer. Additionally, if the primary worker meets the following criteria, a dependant spouse or common law partner may apply for an open work visa under LMIA exemption code C41:

  • possesses a work permit that is good for six months.
  • Considering or actually relocating to Canada to work
  • working in a position covered by the National Occupational Classification (NOC)

Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students [C42]: Full-time students can apply for an open work permit in Canada. Also, a dependent spouse or common law partner can apply for an open work permit under LMIA exemption code C42 if the principal worker is a full-time student and holds a study permit at:

  • a post-secondary public university
  • A post-secondary private institution
  • A post-secondary or secondary school that is either public or private
  • A private Canadian institution permitted by a provincial statute

Benefits of Spousal Open Work Permit

  • While awaiting a decision, work in Canada: The SOWP permits candidates to remain in the nation. The processing of an application by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada may require up to a year.
  • Stay with your spouse in Canada: You are entitled to live with your spouse in the interim while your application for sponsorship is being processed.
  • Earn in Canadian dollars: By submitting an application for a Spousal Open Work Permit, candidates can receive the option to earn in Canadian dollars. A high standard of living and a decent quality of life are also experienced.

  • Select your employer: Unlike closed work permits, SWOP permits allow individuals to select their employer in Canada.

  • Get preferred over LMIA: Because Spousal Open Work Permit holders are exempt from the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, employers favor hiring from this group.

  • Obtain work experience in Canada: Gaining work experience in Canada will enhance one’s professional progress even before becoming a permanent resident. In Canada, gaining more work experience contributes to a greater income.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Have a legitimate common-law relationship with your partner or be legally married to them.
  • have been wed for a minimum of a year.
  • The primary applicant needs to have a current work or study permit.
  • Not medically or legally barred from entering Canada

Requirements

  • The candidate for a Spousal Open Work Permit must be in a real relationship with their spouse, who must be a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible foreign national.
  • The primary applicant needs to have a current work or study permit. The spouse or common-law partner of the applicant must be in possession of a current study or work permit in Canada.
  • Not criminally or medically ineligible to enter Canada: Neither the primary applicant nor the spouse/common-law partner are prohibited from entering Canada due to criminal or medical reasons.

Steps to Apply for Spousal Open Work Permit

Step 1: Verify your eligibility

Step 2: Make arrangements for each document

Step 3: File a visa application

Step 4: Obtain a permit to work

Step 5: Find employment in Canada

Canada spousal open work permit processing time

Spousal open work permit (SOWP) processing takes three to five months. Please take note that processing timeframes may differ.

The cost of a Canada spouse open work permit
In Canada, a spousal open work permit costs $255.

Scroll to Top