What is Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

A SOWP is an open work authorization that allows the spouse of an eligible international student or skilled worker in Canada to live and work full-time.

It means the permit holder can work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, without needing an LMIA or a specific job offer.

SOWP eligibility is restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in master's, doctoral, or professional degree programs at DLIs.

No. Under the updated regulations, spouses of students in standard undergraduate or college diploma programs are generally not eligible for a SOWP.

Professional programs include professional degrees like Law (JD), Medicine (MD), Pharmacy, or Nursing programs.

Yes, you can file a joint application so that both the study permit and spousal open work permit are processed concurrently.

You should provide a marriage certificate, joint bank account statements, photographs of the wedding and family events, and proof of shared address.

Processing times vary by country of application, typically taking 2 to 5 months from outside Canada.

The SOWP is issued with the same validity period as your spouse's study permit or work authorization.

No. The SOWP allows full-time work, meaning they can legally work 40 hours per week or more with no restrictions.

No. Because it is an open permit, you do not need a job offer or an LMIA to apply for or receive the SOWP.

You must show sufficient liquid funds to cover settlement costs for two people in Canada, typically around $5,000 to $8,000 CAD in addition to the student's GIC.