Spousal open work permits in Canada allow partners and spouses of temporary residents to work in any recognized job (jobs that are not employer-specific), fostering financial stability, promoting family unity, and reducing dependency. They also promote immigrant retention by enabling spouses to contribute to the Canadian workforce.

Before you apply for a spousal open work permit, you should know that IRCC has published additional details surrounding changes to eligibility for SOWP. Changes aim to streamline processes and address emerging challenges.

Changes in SOWP in Canada

On Jan 22 this year, IRCC made some significant changes to the ISP (International Student Program). In this announcement, IRCC mentioned that partners or spouses of foreign students studying in college or undergraduate programs at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada will no longer be able to apply for Spousal Open Work Permits.

On the other hand, as of 19^th March 2024, spouses or partners of international students studying in a doctoral degree or master’s program at a designated university or polytechnic institution are qualified for a SOWP.

SOWP exceptions

The spouses or partners of undergraduate students may qualify for a spousal open work permit under specific conditions. As a sponsor, you must be studying in one of the following degree programs –

• DDS, DMD: Doctor of Dental Surgery
• LLB, JD, BCL: Bachelor of Law
• MD: Doctor of Medicine
• OD: Doctor of Optometry
• PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm: Pharmacy
• DVM: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
• BScN, BSN, BNSc: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Ed.: Bachelor of Education
• Eng.: BE, BASc: Bachelor of Engineering

Document submission

Do you meet the above criteria? Good news! You are eligible to apply for a SOWP in Canada. IRCC also mentioned that partners or spouses must submit authentic documents that prove a relationship to the international student studying in Canada. The spouse or partner must apply from within Canada.

Secondly, you, as a spouse or partner, need to submit an authentic document that shows your partner is studying in one of the above-mentioned degree programs. You may submit at least one of the following:

• An LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
• A valid DLI enrolment letter
• Recent program’s transcripts

Did you apply before 19^th March 2024?

Did you apply before the said date? IRCC has your open work permit application covered. However, to be eligible, your spouse or partner must be –

• Carrying a valid study permit
• Eligible for a PGWP (post-graduation work permit)
• A full-time student in a full-time study program in a –
• Public post-secondary school
• Private college-level school (Quebec)
• Canadian private school.

In case you are not permitted!

Partners/spouses of foreign students who are no longer eligible for spousal open work permits have the option to apply for a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa – an alternative). Individuals who enter Canada as visitors are prohibited from engaging in any type of employment. Unlike visitors, SOWP holders have the freedom to work for nearly any employer in Canada.