All permit and visa options for going to Canada

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open work permit offered to spouses of certain students or skilled workers in Canada. If your common-law spouse or partner obtains a work permit or study permit, you may be able to apply for a SOWP, valid for the duration of your spouse’s work or study permit.

The SOWP allows you to work in Canada with the ability to change employers and locations whenever you want.

Info for spouses of workers

On September 18, 2024, Canada announced a change in the job categories for workers that qualified their spouse for a SOWP. From the end of 2024, workers must work in management positions, a “professional” position, or a field with labour shortages for their spouse to be eligible for a SOWP.

At the time of writing this guide, we do not have details on the specific jobs that will count (though we believe it will mean jobs under the NOC TEER 0 and 1 categories), nor do we know the exact date when this rule will come into effect.

If your spouse or partner holds a job that does not fall under the eligible job categories, you cannot apply for a SOWP.

If your spouse has a closed work permit, you can apply for your SOWP even before they start working in Canada. If your spouse has an open work permit, as they are not tied to an employer, three payslips are required to prove that the employment is real. You will need to wait until you have evidence of three payslips before you can apply for your SOWP.

To learn more, read IEC Canada – Spouse or common-law partner open work permit 101.

Info for spouses of students

If your spouse has a study permit, you may be able to apply for a SOWP. Your spouse must be studying in a master’s or doctoral degree program, participating in an eligible pilot program, or studying in one of the listed professional degree programs.

If your spouse holds a valid PGWP work permit, you may be eligible for a SOWP if you meet the eligibility criteria for spouses of workers (mentioned above).

What happens in the event of separation or if my spouse loses their job?

Canada states that in the event of separation, your spouse’s loss of employment, or the end of your spouse’s studies, your SOWP would still remain valid until its expiry date.