September 30, 2025
Who is Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) in Canada?
Are you in Canada on a work permit and wondering if your spouse or common-law partner can join you and work legally? At MyWorld Immigration, we regularly help families reunite in Canada through the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This option allows the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker in Canada to apply for an open work permit, giving them the freedom to work for almost any employer without needing a job offer or LMIA.
In this blog, we’ll explain who qualifies for a spousal open work permit in Canada, the requirements for foreign workers and their spouses, and practical tips to strengthen your application.
✅ Who Can Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit?
Eligibility for a SOWP in Canada depends on the type of work permit held by the foreign worker and their situation. Below are the main categories:
1. Spouses of Foreign Workers Who Applied for Permanent Residency (PR)
If your spouse has applied for permanent residency (PR) under an eligible program, you may qualify for an open work permit.
Requirements:
- The foreign worker must hold a valid employer-specific work permit or an open work permit (not a spousal OWP).
- The work permit must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application.
- The PR application must be submitted under an eligible economic immigration pathway such as:
- Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Quebec Skilled Worker or CSQ holders
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Start-up Visa (SUV)
👉 If your spouse is working in Canada and has applied for PR, you can apply for a spousal open work permit to legally work while their application is being processed.
2. Spouses of Low-Skilled (TEER 4 or 5) Foreign Workers on a PR Pathway
If your spouse is working in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) and has obtained a work permit through an eligible PR stream, you may also qualify.
Conditions:
- The foreign worker’s authorization to work must be valid for at least 6 months.
- They must be on a pathway to permanent residency (such as Agri-Food Pilot, AIP, or PNP).
3. Spouses of High-Skilled Workers (TEER 0 or 1)
If your spouse is working in a TEER 0 (management jobs) or TEER 1 (professional jobs) occupation, you may be eligible for an OWP.
Requirements:
- The foreign worker must have a valid work permit (or approval for one).
- The permit must be valid for at least 16 months at the time of applying.
- The worker must be living in Canada or have plans to reside here.
4. Spouses of Skilled Workers in TEER 2 or 3 Occupations
Foreign workers employed in certain TEER 2 (technical jobs) or TEER 3 (skilled trades) occupations can also sponsor their spouse for a SOWP.
Conditions:
- The job must be on the eligible TEER 2 & 3 occupation list.
- The foreign worker’s permit must be valid for at least 16 months.
5. Spouses of Foreign Workers Under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
Some Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as CETA, CPTPP, and Canada–Korea FTA, allow spouses of foreign workers to obtain a work permit. The eligibility depends on the specific agreement.
🚫 Who is Not Eligible?
Spouses are generally not eligible for a SOWP if the foreign worker:
- Has a refugee claim in process.
- Is subject to a removal order.
- Is an international student without a valid PGWP.
- Holds a spousal open work permit themselves.
📌 General Requirements for Spousal Open Work Permit Applicants
No matter which category you fall under, the spouse/common-law partner applying must:
- Hold or restore valid temporary resident status.
- Prove they will leave Canada after their permit expires.
- Show sufficient funds to support themselves and dependents.
- Have no criminal record (police clearance may be required).
- Be in good health (medical exam may be requested).
- Not work for employers on the IRCC ineligible list.
- Not work in restricted industries (strip clubs, escort services, erotic massage).
👫 Who Qualifies as a Spouse or Common-Law Partner?
- Spouse: Legally married, anywhere in the world.
- Common-law partner: Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months continuously.
🌍 Why Apply Through MyWorld Immigration?
At MyWorld Immigration, we are trusted by families in Chestermere, Calgary, and across Canada to provide expert immigration advice. As a local immigration consultant, we understand both the legal and practical challenges you face.
✅ We’ll assess your eligibility for a spousal open work permit in Canada.
✅ We’ll guide you step by step with documentation and proof of relationship.
✅ We’ll make sure your application is error-free to avoid refusals or delays.
📲 Contact MyWorld Immigration Today
If you or your spouse are looking to apply for a spousal open work permit in Canada, don’t leave it to chance. Get professional help to maximize your approval chances.
👉 Call / WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
👉 Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
👉 Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
👉 Instagram: @myworldimmigration