Spousal Open Work Permit
If your spouse is currently working or studying in Canada, or if you have applied to be sponsored for permanent residence by your spouse or partner in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.
A spouse open work permit allows the spouse of certain temporary Canadian permit holders to work anywhere in Canada, for any employer, with few restrictions.
Individuals who have applied to be sponsored by their spouse, or those whose spouses are in Canada on a study or work permit may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit. The requirements for applying for a spousal open work permit depend on the type of status your spouse has in Canada. For information, use the table below:
| Category | Principal applicant’s occupational skill level requirement | Principal applicant’s minimum work permit length |
| Spouses or common-law partners of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders | 0, A, or B | 6 months |
| Spouses or common-law partners of Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holders | Any occupational skill level | 6 months |
| Spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominees | Any occupational skill level | 6 months |
| Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders | Varies depending on program principal applicant applies under | 6 months |
| Spouses or common-law partners of open work permit holders other than BOWP (incl. PGWP, IEC) | 0, A, or B | N/A |
| Spouses or common-law partners of study permit holders | N/A | N/A |
| In Canada spousal/common-law sponsorship applicants | N/A | N/A |
Eligibility requirement for a spousal work permit and visa
In order to qualify for a spousal open work permit, you must meet certain minimum requirements, including:
- Must be in a genuine relationship with a qualifying foreign national principal applicant, permanent resident, or citizen;
- Must be eligible to apply as the spouse of a qualifying foreign national, or as an in Canada sponsorship applicant (see above); and
- Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada
Additional criteria will vary depending on the category of SOWP you are applying under.
If you need more information about this program, please do not hesitate to get in touch today at info@dhunnaimmigration.ca