What is a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open work permit available to spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners who are being sponsored for permanent residence in Canada. Unlike employer-specific work permits, an open work permit allows you to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada. You can apply for a SOWP after receiving your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC confirming your PR application is being processed.

How long does it take to get a Spousal Open Work Permit?

SOWP processing times vary but typically range from 2 to 6 months from the date of application. Processing times depend on the volume of applications, the completeness of your submission, and whether additional documents are requested. You can check the most current processing times on the IRCC website or on this page above.

Can I work in Canada while waiting for my spousal sponsorship?

Yes, if you have applied for an open work permit under the spousal sponsorship public policy and your application is approved, you can work for any employer in Canada. If you are waiting for your SOWP approval but have maintained valid temporary resident status (e.g., visitor record, existing work or study permit), you must wait for the SOWP to be approved before starting work. You cannot work on implied status if you did not have a previous work permit.

Do I need an AOR letter to apply for a SOWP?

In most cases, yes. You need an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter confirming that your permanent residence application is being processed. However, if your work permit, study permit, or temporary resident status expires within 2 weeks and you have applied for PR under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC) or Family Class, you may be eligible to apply without an AOR.

Can I apply for a SOWP if I am out of status in Canada?

If you are out of status (your temporary resident status has expired), you must wait until you receive your Approval in Principle (AIP) letter for your spousal sponsorship application. Once you receive the AIP letter, you can apply for the SOWP on paper with a letter explaining your situation. You cannot apply online if you are out of status.

How much does a Spousal Open Work Permit cost?

The total cost for a SOWP application is $255 CAD: $155 for the work permit processing fee plus $100 for the open work permit holder fee. If you also need to restore your temporary resident status, an additional restoration fee of $229 applies. Biometrics ($85) may also be required if you have not previously provided them.

Can I travel outside Canada with a SOWP?

Yes, you can travel outside Canada with a valid SOWP, but you need to ensure you have the proper documents to re-enter Canada. This includes a valid passport, your work permit, and a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA if your nationality requires one. If your PR application is still in progress, leaving Canada on an inland spousal sponsorship application generally does not affect your case, but always verify with IRCC before traveling.

Can my dependent children also get open work permits?

Yes, accompanying dependent children of the principal applicant (the person being sponsored) may also be eligible for open work permits, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. The dependent child must be living with the principal applicant and their sponsor in Canada. Before a dependent child works, check the minimum working age in the relevant province or territory.

How long is a SOWP valid?

A SOWP is typically valid for the duration of your spouse's work permit, study permit, or passport validity — whichever expires first. You can extend your SOWP for up to 2 additional years under the public policy if your PR application is still being processed and you have received your AOR. The extension must be applied for before your current SOWP expires.

What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship means the sponsored person is already living in Canada with the sponsor. Outland sponsorship means the sponsored person applies from outside Canada. Under IRCC's public policy, both inland and outland applicants are eligible for a SOWP — the key requirement is that you must be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status and living with your sponsor at the time you apply for the work permit. Outland applicants who are not in Canada would need to enter Canada (e.g., on a visitor visa) before they can apply for a SOWP. Outland processing is often faster (12-18 months). Both paths lead to the same PR result.

Updated November 2026

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Canada

Work legally in Canada while your spousal sponsorship permanent residence application is processed. No job offer needed — work for any employer in any occupation.

What is a Spousal Open Work Permit?

A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open work permit available to spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners who are living in Canada and have been sponsored for permanent residence. Unlike employer-specific work permits that tie you to a single employer, the SOWP allows you to work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada without needing a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The SOWP was introduced as a public policy by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to allow sponsored spouses and partners to support themselves financially while their permanent residence application is being processed. Since spousal sponsorship can take 12 to 26 months depending on whether you apply inland or outland, the SOWP provides crucial economic stability during this waiting period.

Under IRCC's temporary public policy, the SOWP is available to applicants under both the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class and the Family Class (outland sponsorship) — as long as the applicant is physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status and living at the same address as their sponsor. This means outland-sponsored applicants who are in Canada (for example, on a visitor visa) can also apply for a SOWP.

Key Facts at a Glance

Permit Type

Open Work Permit (unrestricted)

Eligible Applicants

Spouses, common-law & conjugal partners being sponsored for PR

Job Offer Required?

No — work for any employer, any occupation

LMIA Required?

Application Fee

$255 CAD ($155 work permit + $100 OWP holder fee)

Biometrics

$85 CAD (if not previously provided)

Key Requirement

Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC

Can Extend?

Yes — up to 2 additional years if PR still processing

Who Can Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

You can apply for a SOWP if you meet all of the following requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

You are a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner living in Canada who is being sponsored for permanent residence (under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class or the Family Class)
You are in a genuine relationship with your sponsor (not primarily for immigration purposes)
You have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter confirming your PR application is being processed
You are living in Canada with your sponsor
You have valid temporary resident status in Canada (visitor record, work permit, study permit, or maintained status)

Accompanying Dependent Children

Accompanying dependent children of the principal applicant may also be eligible for open work permits. The dependent child must be living with the principal applicant and the sponsor in Canada. Before a dependent child works, check the minimum working age requirements in the province or territory where they will be employed. Canadian employers are responsible for complying with provincial labour laws.

Who Cannot Apply

Your permanent residence application has been refused, withdrawn, or returned
You plan to apply for the work permit at a port of entry (you must apply online)
You do not have valid temporary resident status and have not received an Approval in Principle (AIP) letter
You are outside Canada at the time of application — you must be physically present in Canada with your sponsor to apply (you may enter Canada on a visitor visa or other temporary status first)

How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit

The SOWP application is submitted online through your IRCC secure account. Here is the step-by-step process:

Receive Your AOR Letter

Wait for IRCC to send you the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming your spousal sponsorship PR application is being processed. The AOR contains your application number (starts with "F") in the top left corner. This is the AOR your sponsor receives from IRCC for your PR application.

Sign In to Your IRCC Account

Log in to or create your IRCC secure account at ircc.canada.ca. Answer the personalized questions to get your document checklist. When asked "Does one of the following apply to you?", select "I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC."

Fill Out the Application Form

In the "Details of intended work in Canada" section: select "Open Work Permit" for the type of work permit. Enter "SCLPC FC OWP" in the Job Title box. Enter "SCLPC FC applicant in Canada public policy" in the Brief Description of Duties box.

Upload Required Documents

Upload your AOR letter, proof of valid temporary resident status (work permit, study permit, or visitor record), marriage certificate or statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409), Family Information form (IMM 5707), and birth certificates of dependent children showing both parents' names.

Pay the Fees

Pay the $155 work permit processing fee and $100 open work permit holder fee ($255 total). If you need to restore your temporary resident status, pay the additional $229 restoration fee. Biometrics ($85) if not previously provided.

Submit and Wait

Submit your application online. You will receive a confirmation email. Processing times vary — check the current times displayed above. Continue working if you have implied status from a previous work permit, or wait for approval if applying from visitor status.

Spousal Open Work Permit Costs (2026)

Fee	Amount (CAD)
Work permit processing fee	$155
Open work permit holder fee	$100
Biometrics (if required)	$85
Status restoration (if out of status)	$229
Total (standard)	$255
Total (with restoration + biometrics)	$569

Spousal Open Work Permit Processing Time

SOWP processing times are separate from spousal sponsorship PR processing times. While the PR application can take 12 to 26 months, the work permit itself is typically processed faster. Current IRCC processing targets for open work permits under the spousal public policy are generally 2 to 6 months, though this varies based on application volume and complexity.

The spousal sponsorship processing times shown at the top of this page are for the overall PR application (not just the work permit). Understanding both timelines helps you plan:

SOWP processing: 2-6 months from work permit application submission
Spousal PR (inland): Approximately 12-26 months total
Spousal PR (outland): Approximately 12-18 months total

If you have implied status (you previously held a valid work permit and applied for a new one before it expired), you can continue working while waiting for your SOWP decision. If you are on visitor status and have never held a Canadian work permit, you must wait for the SOWP to be approved before you can legally work.

Recent Policy Changes (2026)

Canada has made several important changes to open work permit policies that affect spousal sponsorship applicants:

January 21, 2025

Family OWP Eligibility Restrictions

IRCC restricted open work permit eligibility for family members of foreign workers. Spouses of foreign workers are now only eligible if the principal worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in labour-shortage sectors (healthcare, construction, natural resources, education, science). The principal worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit. Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for OWPs. Note: These changes affect family OWPs for foreign workers, NOT the spousal sponsorship SOWP — the SOWP under inland spousal sponsorship remains unchanged.

Ongoing

SOWP Extension Policy

SOWP holders can extend their work permit for up to 2 additional years if their PR application is still being processed and they have received their AOR. This extension must be applied for before the current SOWP expires.

Ongoing

Out-of-Status Applicants

Applicants who are out of status (expired temporary resident status) can now apply for a SOWP on paper after receiving their Approval in Principle (AIP) letter. This provides a pathway for those who fell out of status during the long PR processing period.

Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship: Impact on SOWP

The choice between inland and outland spousal sponsorship has a direct impact on your ability to get a SOWP:

Inland Sponsorship

✓ Eligible for SOWP
✓ Can work in Canada while PR is processed
✓ Must be living in Canada with sponsor
✓ Can maintain healthcare coverage (provincial)
⚠ Processing may take 12-26 months
⚠ Must maintain valid temporary status

Outland Sponsorship

✓ Eligible for SOWP if you are in Canada with valid temporary status
⚠ Cannot apply for SOWP while outside Canada
✓ Can apply for PR from outside Canada
✓ Often faster processing (12-18 months)
✓ No need to maintain Canadian status while abroad
ℹ Can enter Canada on a visitor visa and then apply for SOWP

Strategic consideration: If you are already in Canada and your priority is to work while waiting for PR, either inland or outland sponsorship allows you to apply for a SOWP — the key requirement is being physically in Canada with valid temporary status. Inland sponsorship is the traditional route for those already living with their sponsor in Canada. If you are outside Canada and want faster processing, outland may be preferable — you can enter Canada on a visitor visa and then apply for a SOWP once you are living with your sponsor. See IRCC's official SOWP page for full details.

Required Documents for SOWP Application

Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC

Valid passport (must not expire during the SOWP period)

Proof of valid temporary resident status (work permit, study permit, or visitor record)

Marriage certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)

Family Information form (IMM 5707)

Birth certificates of dependent children (showing both parents' names)

Two passport-style digital photos

Proof of payment ($255 CAD total)

Biometrics (if not previously provided)

Letter explaining situation (if applying on paper due to being out of status)

Tips for a Successful SOWP Application

Apply as soon as you receive your AOR

Don't wait — submit your SOWP application immediately after receiving your AOR. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can legally work in Canada. Processing times start from your application date, not your AOR date.

Maintain valid temporary status

Your temporary resident status must be valid when you apply. If your status is expiring soon, apply for an extension or restoration before or simultaneously with your SOWP application. Applying for restoration costs an additional $229.

Use the correct job title codes

When filling out your application form, enter "SCLPC FC OWP" as the job title and "SCLPC FC applicant in Canada public policy" as the brief description of duties. Using incorrect codes can delay processing.

Keep your documents organized

Have digital copies of your AOR, marriage certificate, passports, and status documents ready before starting the online application. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays.

Understand implied status rules

If you held a previous work permit and applied for the SOWP before it expired, you have "implied status" and can continue working. If you were on visitor status (no prior work permit), you must wait for SOWP approval before working.

Plan for SOWP extension

SOWPs can be extended for up to 2 additional years if your PR application is still processing. Apply for extension at least 30 days before your current SOWP expires to maintain implied status.

Open Work Permits for Spouses of Foreign Workers

In addition to the SOWP under spousal sponsorship, Canada also offers open work permits for spouses of foreign workers already in Canada. This is a separate program from the spousal sponsorship SOWP and has different eligibility requirements:

The principal foreign worker must be in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in labour-shortage sectors (healthcare, construction, science, education, natural resources)
The principal worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time the spouse applies
As of January 2025, dependent children are no longer eligible for family OWPs under this program
Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA) and those transitioning to PR are not affected by these restrictions

This program is distinct from the spousal sponsorship SOWP. You do not need to be sponsored for PR to qualify — you just need to be the spouse of a qualifying foreign worker. However, if you are also being sponsored for PR, you may be eligible for both programs and should apply under whichever gives you the most favorable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Family Sponsorship Guide

Complete guide to sponsoring family members for Canadian PR

Spousal Sponsorship

Detailed guide to sponsoring your spouse or partner

Sponsorship Processing Times

Current IRCC processing times for family sponsorship

Work Permits in Canada

Guide to all types of Canadian work permits

Processing Times

All IRCC processing times in one place

Move to Canada

Comprehensive immigration hub with pathways and guides

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies and processing times are subject to change. Always verify the most current requirements on the official IRCC website or consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.