How To Apply for A Spousal Open Work Permit in 2023

difference between a work permit and a Canada Open work permit?

The Government devised a specific provision that permits the partners of immigrants to live in the nation because they recognize the value of bringing families together at every level of the immigration processes.

Are you a married student looking to study in Canada? Or you are a married skilled worker in Canada? Do you want your spouse to accompany you during your stay, study, work in Canada? Then it is essential that you apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit.

There is a very high chance that your Spousal Open Work Permit will be granted if you know how to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit in 2023.

What Is a Spousal Open Work Permit?

A Spousal Open Work Permit is a permit that allows the spouse of temporary Canadian permit holders to work without restrictions. This permit allows the spouse to work any non-specific job which means they don’t need to limit their options when deciding on where to work, or whom to work for.

Who is Eligible to Apply for SOWP?

To be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit in 2023, there are a few conditions you must meet to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit.

You must fit into any of these conditions before you can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit:

Be a spouse of a full-time student in Canada
Be a spouse of a full-time skilled worker in Canada
Be a spouse of an applicant for Permanent Residence

Are There Specific Requirements to Apply for Spousal Open Work Permit?

The most basic requirement you will need to apply for an open work permit is to have strong proof that you have enough money to take care of your spouse or partner, regardless of their applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit.

To show proof, you will be required to present documents that show your financial holdings and monthly living expenses.

It is also recommended that you provide proof that your spouse will adhere to the terms of their stay, particularly the need that they depart Canada after their employment time.

The best way to accomplish this is to demonstrate a strong connection to your nation, and you can do this by providing a letter of recommendation from you or your spouse’s employer at the last place you worked.

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How Long Does It Take to Process a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada?

It takes anywhere from one (1) to four (4) months to process a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada. However, if your spouse is already in Canada, they can’t work until they can obtain their open work permit.

Document Checklist Required for A Spousal Open Work Permit in 2023

The documents you will require to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada depend on the category you are applying under. The following records may need to be submitted with the application for a work permit:

Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter.
Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable).
Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) (if applicable).
Completed application forms.
Proof of status in Canada.
Proof of spouse’s status in Canada.
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law status.
Proof of relationship to the principal applicant.
A valid copy of your passport.
Medical exam results (if requested).
Proof of payment for applicable government fees.

How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit

It is important to note that the application process for a Spousal Open Work Permit varies depending on if the individual is applying within Canada or from outside Canada.

Before taking any action, check to see if your circumstance satisfies all the requirements for your category’s eligibility. If your situation doesn’t satisfy the given requirements, your application won’t be accepted if this is the case.

For those applying within Canada, you can use this resource guide to make sure you have all you need for your application to be a success.

After that, you will utilize an online tool to respond to inquiries about your identity, your relationship, and your partner’s employment or study permission. A customized document checklist will subsequently be generated by the online tool.

Once you have acquired all the necessary paperwork, you can register for an IRCC online account and scan and upload all the necessary paperwork and application forms, as well as pay the necessary costs.

Conclusion

If you are applying outside Canada, the application forms and supporting evidence needed will differ based on your country of origin. However, you can either choose to submit your application online or use a paper application.