Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): An Opportunity for Spouses to Work in Canada
A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open work permit available to eligible spouses of certain foreign workers and international students in Canada, subject to the eligibility requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
A Recent Case Example
In this case, both spouses came to Canada as international students and legally registered their marriage in Canada.
After completing her studies, the wife obtained a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and is currently employed in an occupation that meets the applicable IRCC eligibility requirements for a spousal open work permit.
Meanwhile, the husband’s PGWP is approaching its expiry date, and neither spouse has obtained permanent resident (PR) status in Canada.
Under these circumstances, the husband may be eligible to apply for a SOWP based on his wife’s qualifying employment and work authorization, provided that all applicable IRCC requirements are met. The validity period of the work permit issued will be determined by IRCC and is not automatically the same as the remaining validity of the wife’s PGWP.
Processing Time
In this particular case, the application was processed in 6 weeks, considerably faster than IRCC’s estimated processing time of 13 weeks at the time of reference. However, processing times vary depending on the individual application and when it is submitted. This result should not be interpreted as a guarantee of similar processing times for future applications.
Need Professional Advice on Canadian Immigration?
Whether you are planning to study, visit Canada, apply for a Super Visa, obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), sponsor your spouse, or pursue permanent residence (PR), professional guidance can help you understand your options and prepare your application in accordance with applicable IRCC requirements.
TON IMMIGRATION CONSULTING provides Canadian immigration consulting and authorized representation services, tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Contact us for a consultation:
- Email: anton.ton@tonimmigration.com
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Contact us to discuss your circumstances and explore the immigration options that may be available to you.