Canada Open Spouse Work Permit (SOWP)
An open work permit for the spouse of an eligible Canadian student or skilled worker.
About this pathway
The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) lets your spouse work full-time for any Canadian employer, in any role, while you study or work in Canada. No job offer or LMIA is required.
- Open Work Permit — no LMIA, no employer restriction
- Same validity as the main applicant's permit
- Work experience counts toward CEC / Express Entry PR
- Children can attend public school free in most provinces
Who Can Apply
- Spouse of an international student in a Master's, PhD, doctoral or professional programme at a DLI
- Spouse of a foreign worker holding a valid work permit in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation
- Spouse of select PGWP holders working in TEER 0–3 roles
- Genuine common-law partners with 12+ months cohabitation also eligible
Key Benefits
- Full-time, open employment authorisation across Canada
- Build Canadian work experience (counts for CEC PR)
- Family stays together — same start and expiry as main permit
- Access to provincial healthcare in eligible provinces
- Children get free public schooling
Work Rights
Open Work Permit — any employer, any role (excluding restricted sectors like childcare without medical clearance).
PR Pathway
Skilled work on a SOWP qualifies for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry — direct route to PR.
Your journey, mapped out
- 1
Free Counselling
Confirm SOWP eligibility based on the main applicant's programme/job and TEER level.
- 2
Document Audit
We collect and review marriage proof, financials and the main applicant's permit copy.
- 3
Online IRCC Filing
Application filed through the IRCC portal with IMM 1295 + supporting evidence.
- 4
Biometrics
Spouse attends a VFS centre to give fingerprints and photo.
- 5
Medical & PCC
Upfront medical with a panel physician and police clearance from each country lived 6+ months.
- 6
Decision & PPR
Passport Request, visa stamp and Port-of-Entry letter for SOWP issuance on landing.
What you'll need
Common refusal reasons
- !Main applicant's programme is not SOWP-eligible (undergraduate or diploma)
- !Insufficient relationship proof — IRCC suspects marriage of convenience
- !Inadequate funds shown for family support
- !Weak home-country ties (relevant for outland applicants)
- !Incomplete or inconsistent application forms
Why Future Link
FAQs
No. SOWP is an open work permit — no employer or job offer needed before applying.
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