Partners working in Canada
Spousal Open Work Permit for the Spouse/Common-Law Partner of a Student
Your partner (either spouse or common-law partner) may be eligible to get an open work permit often known as a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) while you are in Canada on a study permit.
If you have a valid study permit and have been admitted to, or are enrolled full-time in a program of study that is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a work permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When can my spouse or common-law partner apply for a spousal open work Permit?
Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a spousal open work permit during one of the following times:
- Apply for your spousal open work permit together with your study permit application before traveling to Canada. When the application is approved, the study and work permits will be issued upon arrival in Canada and your spouse or common-law partner can begin working right away.
- Apply after your spouse or common-law partner entering Canada as a visitor. They can only begin working after they receive the work permit.
- Apply when arriving in Canada if your spouse or common-law partner are Temporary Resident Visa-exempt.
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How can my spouse or common-law partner apply for a spousal open work Permit?
Applications made before or after entering Canada vary and are made online.
- Apply before entering Canada: Review Guide 5487 – Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada
- Apply after entering Canada: Review Guide 5553 – Applying for a work permit inside Canada
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What documents does my spouse or common-law partner need?
Documents for applications made before or after entering Canada vary. Generally, your spouse or common-law partner may need the following documents:
- Your offer of admission or verification of enrollment letter
Valid Offer of Admissions letter - this letter must be valid. You can find the expiry date on the offer of admission
Verification of enrollment (VOE) letter - You can receive this letter by the following methods:
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- Undergraduate students: This can be obtained on your MyOntarioTech account. You can find the instructions on how to find it on the Registrars Office.
- Graduate students: Fill out the form on the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate or Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
- Passport or travel document
- Digital photo
- Biometrics (if applicable)
- Immigration medical exam (if applicable)
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How long does it take for my spouse or common-law partner to get a spousal open work permit?
Your spouse or common-law partner can check the processing time on the IRCC website.
Spousal Open Work Permit for the Spouse/Common-Law Partner of a PGWP Applicant/Holder
Standard Policy
If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and have ‘skilled work’ (jobs in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupational Classification), your spouse/common-law partner is eligible to apply or extend their open work permit. If you do not have ‘skilled work”, your spouse/common-law partner can have visitor status in Canada. More information can be found on the IRCC website.
Temporary Policy Change – January 30, 2023
On January 30, 2023, IRCC issued a temporary policy for a period of two years. The temporary policy relaxes the employment requirement from ‘skilled work’ to ‘all skill levels’ and allows working-aged dependent children, working-aged dependent child of the dependent child (your grandchild or your spouse’s grandchild) and spouse or common law partner to obtain a work permit. More information regarding this temporary policy can be found on the IRCC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When can my spouse or common-law partner apply for a spousal open work Permit?
If you meet the employment requirement, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a spousal open work permit during one of the following times:
- Apply for your spousal open work permit together with your Post-Graduation Work Permit Application.
- Apply for your spousal open work permit separately.
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What documents does my spouse or common-law partner need?
Generally, your spouse or common-law partner needs the following documents:
- Proof of your employment
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate or Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
- Passport or travel document
- Digital photo
- Biometrics (if applicable)
- Immigration medical exam (if applicable)
- Your work permit or letter of introduction (if applicable)
More information can be found on the IRCC website.
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How can my spouse or common-law partner apply for a spousal open work Permit?
Applications made before or after entering Canada vary and are made online. Please check the information on the IRCC website.
-
How long does it take for my spouse or common-law partner to get a spousal open work permit?
Your spouse or common-law partner can check the processing time on the IRCC website.
