Spouse Open Work Permit Canada (2025): Eligibility, Process & Fees

Navigating the intricacies of Spouse open work permit Canada is essential for families aspiring to build a life together in the nation. Last year, Canada admitted 81,417 spouses, partners and children as permanent residents marking a 16.2% increase from the previous years. However, the Spouse Open Work Permit policy changes have been introduced under which starting January 21, 2025 the eligibility criteria for SOWP Canada have undergone an upgrade.

Delve deeper into our comprehensive blog to understand how these spouse work permit Canada changes might impact your Canadian journey and also discover strategies to navigate this evolving landscape.

Spouse Open Work Permits Canada

A SOWP Canada provides an avenue for spouses of certain study permits or work permit holders to pursue high employment in Canada opportunites and actively participate in Canada's vibrant society. This open work permit is available to spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents during the processing of their sponsorship application for permanent residence.

Best Benefits of Spouse Open Work Permit Canada 

The Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada for Indian nationals offers several advantages. It allows spouses of certain visa holders to work for various employers in Canada, providing financial stability for their families during the immigration process. Here are some of the other benefits

• Canada aims to welcome 82,000 new permanent residents annually under spousal sponsorship programs
• As of May 2023, IRCC expanded the availability of Open Work Permit Canada, further supporting financial independence of families.
• Work experience gained under the SOWP Canada can earn additional points in the Express Entry system, increasing your chances of securing a PR
• Spousal open work permits allow sponsored individuals flexibility of jobs - to work for nearly any employer in Canada
• The ability to work and live together enhances social integration by allowing spouses to interact with locals and experience Canadian culture.

Spouse Open Work Permit Canada Requirements

The SOWP Canada provides an exceptional opportunity for spouses or partners of Canadian citizens or PR holders to work in Canada. Below we have outlined the essential spouse open work permit canada requirements

• You must be the main applicant who applied for permanent residence in Canada as a spouse or partner
• Your work permit request should be for a maximum of two years
• You should be the subject of a sponsorship application by your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or partner
• You must share the same address with your sponsor in Canada, at the time of your application
• You need to have valid temporary resident status in Canada or have applied for status restoration
• Both you and your sponsor must meet the eligibility requirements for spousal or partner sponsorship

The SOWP Canada provides an exceptional opportunity for spouses or partners of Canadian citizens or PR holders to work in Canada. Below we have outlined the essential spouse open work permit canada requirements

IRCC Canada Announces Changes to Spousal Open Work Permit Allocations. Explore the details to the change.

Documents Required for Spouse Open Work Permit Canada

To ensure a smooth and successful application process for a Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada, having the right documents is crucial. This document checklist guide will walk you through the essential paperwork and requirements you need to gather to make your application journey as seamless as possible

• Applicant's Passport: A valid passport with a biodata page copy
• Marriage Certificate: Official proof of spousal relationship
• Proof of Primary Applicant's Status: Documents confirming their legal status in Canada (e.g., study/work permit)
• Relationship Proof: Evidence of your genuine relationship (e.g., photos, joint accounts, lease)
• Personal Identification: Additional ID documents (e.g., driver's license)
• Language Proficiency: English/French proficiency proof (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP scores)
• Educational Records: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, or transcripts
• Work Experience: Résumé detailing work history
• Financial Documentation: Bank statements, employment letters, income tax returns
• Additional Supporting Documents: Any relevant extra materials, like cover/reference letters

Documents Required for Open Work Permit for Spouse in Canada

Apart from Canada Spouse Visa there are also specific documents that are required when applying for an Open work permit for a Spouse in Canada under different categories.

1. Relatives of High-Skilled Workers:

• Evidence of your kinship with the main applicant
• Confirmation of the principal applicant's legal authorization to work in Canada
• Verification that the principal applicant can work in Canada for a minimum of 6 months after we receive the family member's work permit request
• Verification that the principal applicant is currently employed or will be in an occupation classified under National Occupation Classification categories 0, 1, 2, or 3

2. Relatives of Low-Skilled Workers:

• Confirmation of your relationship with the principal applicant
• Evidence of the principal applicant's legal authorization to work in Canada
• Verification that the principal applicant can work in Canada for at least 6 months after we receive the family member's application
• Confirmation that the principal applicant is employed in an occupation classified under TEER system categories 4 or 5 in the National Occupation Classification system

3. Relatives of Permanent Residence Applicants:

• Proof of a genuine relationship with the principal applicant
• Confirmation of the principal applicant's legal work eligibility in Canada
• Verification that the principal applicant can work in Canada for a minimum of 6 months or longer following the submission of the family member's work permit application
• Confirmation that the principal applicant has applied for permanent residence and included the family member in their application

Statement Of Purpose (SOP) for SOWP Canada Visa

When crafting a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada, it's crucial to ensure that your document maintains a clear, coherent, and concise structure. Customize it to your unique situation and build a persuasive argument for why you are the ideal candidate for the Spouse Open Work Permit. Below are the steps one needs to keep in mind

How to Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada?

If you are pondering on the question as to how to apply for an open work permit for a spouse outside Canada, then there are a few steps that you need to follow as illustrated in the images below. Following these steps will help you apply for a spouse open work permit for Canada from India as per the official guidelines on the Canada government website.

Additionally, you can seek assistance from GetGIS experts to avoid application errors, which are crucial during the process.

Step 1: Go to the website Canada.ca and navigate to the section that outlines how to apply for a Spouse open work permit in Canada from India

Step 2: On the subsequent page, select the option for applicants residing outside Canada, and the option that best describes your profile.

Step 3: Once both options are selected, you'll find a link to access the application form for a work permit to work in Canada. Click on it.

The next page will give you the choice of applying online or offline. Click as per your requirement.

Step 5: On the same page, you need to select the country you are applying from. In this case, we have shown the example of applying from India.

Step 6: Create an account or sign in to access the application guide, which will contain detailed instructions and the application form itself.

Step 7: Login with your GC key, gather all the required documents, and attach them to the completed application form. Submit your application, along with the applicable fees, to the designated visa application center.

Decode the Canada Spousal Open Work Permit: Complete List of Eligible Jobs for Immigrants.

Spouse Open Work Permit Canada Processing Time from India

The Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada application processing time is 13 months encompassing various stages of the application, such as the duration for the sponsored individual to provide their biometrics, the assessment of both the sponsor and the sponsored person, and the verification of eligibility requirements. 

This Canada visa processing time 2025 applies to spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners residing outside Canada (excluding Quebec) who are seeking a spouse-open work permit.

Canada Spouse Visa Open Work Permit Fees

You can sponsor your spouse or partner for immigration to Canada without the right of permanent residence fee. The sponsorship fee amounts to $75, and the principal applicant processing fee is $490, totaling $565.

Additionally, if your spouse or partner holds an open work permit, there is a separate fee of $100 associated with it. These Canada visa fees are important considerations when seeking to reunite with your loved ones in Canada through the sponsorship process.

Secure Your Spouse Open Work Permit Canada with GetGIS Assistance

Securing a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) in Canada is a valuable opportunity for families to stay together while accessing employment benefits and study opportunities. However, with the upcoming policy changes in 2025 navigating the process requires careful planning and awareness of eligibility updates.

Ensuring your application meets the latest requirements can make a significant difference in approval chances to signify a journey and maximise success expert guidance is essential. GetGIS offers end to end assistance, helping you understand the evolving regulations and preparing a strong application. Take the stress off of your shoulders -Book Your Free Consultation assistance team to move forward with confidence.

Also Read:

• Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Different Canada Visa types from India for Indians in 2025