Spousal Open Work Permit 

The Spousal Open Work Permit is designed to support families of foreign workers and students by enabling their spouses and common-law partners to work while their partners continue to live and work or study in Canada. Family members of foreign workers may be eligible for open work permits under specific conditions, such as: 

• High-Skilled Workers: Spouses or partners of workers in high-skilled jobs (NOC TEER 0-3) can apply for an open work permit if the primary worker has a valid permit or authorization to work in Canada for at least six more months and resides in Canada.

• Low-Skilled Workers: Spouses or partners of low-skilled workers (NOC TEER 4-5) are also eligible, provided the primary worker meets similar conditions. However, if the primary worker is in the low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program, family members are not eligible.

• Agri-Food Pilot: Family members of workers in the Agri-Food Pilot may apply for open work permits if the primary worker has a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based permit in agriculture or low-wage streams and a complete permanent residence application.

• Permanent Residence Applicants: Family members of workers applying for permanent residence under economic programs (e.g., Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program) may qualify for open work permits.

• Inland Spousal Sponsorship: Sponsored spouses or partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for open work permits while awaiting permanent residency.

• Spouses of Students: As of 2024, the eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) in Canada has been updated to primarily include the spouses or partners of international students who are enrolled in specific higher-level academic programs. Here are the key points regarding eligibility:

1. Eligibility for Spouses of International Students:

   • Master’s or Doctoral Programs: Spouses of students enrolled in these advanced degree programs at recognized institutions are eligible for a work permit.

   • Professional Programs: The eligibility has expanded to include spouses of students in professional degree programs at universities, such as those pursuing Medicine (MD), Dentistry (DDS), Law (JD), and Veterinary Medicine (DVM)​

   • Undergraduate Students: While spouses of students in undergraduate programs generally aren't eligible, exceptions exist for certain professional degrees​.

2. Required Documentation: 

When applying, the spouse must provide proof of their partner's enrollment in one of the eligible programs, which includes:

2. • A valid letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

   • Transcripts or other documentation showing the student’s ongoing academic status

Some categories, such as seasonal agriculture and low-wage temporary foreign workers, are excluded from eligibility.