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Services / SOWP
For Spouses & Partners

Spousal Open
Work Permit

Your partner is studying or working in Canada — you shouldn't have to sit on the sidelines. The SOWP lets eligible spouses work for any employer in Canada.

Book SOWP Consultation Ask a Question
Work for any employer Open permit — no restrictions
Couple in Canada

Does your spouse qualify?

SOWP eligibility depends on your partner's status in Canada. Your spouse qualifies if their principal applicant (your partner) meets one of these:

Partner is a full-time student at a DLI in a degree-level program (bachelor's or higher)
Partner holds a PGWP valid for 16 months or more
Partner is a skilled worker in a high-demand NOC category (TEER 0 or 1)
The relationship is legally recognized (marriage or common-law)
Partner is in a college diploma or certificate program (below degree level)
Partner's study permit or work permit has expired

Not sure if your partner's program qualifies? Contact us — we'll check instantly.

What we cover

Eligibility & Category Review

Confirm which SOWP category applies based on your partner's exact status.

Relationship Evidence Planning

Guidance on what relationship documents IRCC expects and how to present them.

Full Document Checklist

Nothing missed. Every required doc listed with clear instructions.

Application Form Review

We review your completed forms before you submit — common errors avoided.

Submission Support

Guidance through IRCC portal submission and receipt confirmation.

How the SOWP Process Works

1

Eligibility Check

Verify your partner's qualifying status and program.

2

Relationship Docs

Marriage certificate, cohabitation proof, photos, etc.

3

Application Audit

We review all forms and supporting documents.

4

Submit to IRCC

File and receive confirmation. Work legally in Canada.

SOWP — Common Questions

Yes. The Spousal Open Work Permit is an open work permit — your spouse can work for any employer in Canada, in any role, without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
If your partner is a student, yes — they must be in a degree-level program (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) at a DLI. College diploma or certificate programs do not qualify under the student pathway.
Typically tied to your partner's permit duration. If your partner has a 2-year study permit, your SOWP will generally cover the same period (with possible minor adjustments for processing time).
Typically: marriage certificate (or proof of common-law), joint financial documents, photos together, communication records, and a relationship declaration. We provide a full checklist based on your situation.
Yes — simultaneous applications are possible and recommended when both permits are needed at the same time. We manage both application streams together.

Related services

Study Permit

Is your partner still applying to study? Start with the Study Permit service.

PGWP Application

Has your partner graduated? A PGWP (16+ months) also qualifies for SOWP.

Your spouse deserves to work too.

Book a consultation and we'll confirm eligibility and start the application process right away.

Book SOWP Consultation Ask a Question First