Spousal Open Work Permit

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Spousal Open Work Permit

If a foreign national is successful in their work permit application, they will be issued an open work permit authorizing them to work for multiple employers in any location in Canada while their permanent residency application is processing, or while their spouse has valid status in Canada. The application procedure for the spousal sponsorship open work permit varies depending on the applicant’s status in Canada or the stage of their permanent residency application. Foreign nationals cannot work in Canada without the appropriate authorization. Engaging in any form of employment in Canada without the proper work permit is unlawful and can jeopardize future immigration applications.

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Necessary Documents
  • Check iconPassport
  • Check iconJob Letter
  • Check iconSalary Slips
  • Check iconAll the Transcripts / Study Completion Certificte
How long does a spouse open work permit take to process?
The processing time for a spousal open work permit will depend on what type of permit your spouse applied for. To check the approximate processing time for a particular application, visit Canada's dedicated webpage
A SOWP is tied to the permit of the spouse, or 'lead applicant', and will only be valid for as long as the leadapplicant's permit. If your SOWP expires, you will need to reapply based on your spouse’s permit.
The fee for a spouse open work permit is $255 CAD - $155 for the processing fee, and $100 CAD for the open work permit holder fee.
A spousal open work permit can only be issued for as long as the lead applicant's permit. If the applicant's passport is expiring soon, it will not be issued beyond the validity of their passport.

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