How to Get a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada

Every year thousands of foreigners immigrate to Canada with their spouses or common-law partners to work or continue with higher studies. Now, the Canadian government does allow spouses to work in the country, provided they have a spousal open work permit. What is it? How to apply for one? What are the requirements? Let’s delve into the details.

What is Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada?

If you are married to a temporary resident who is in Canada to work or to study, or if you have been sponsored for PR by your partner or spouse residing in the country, you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit.

Your spouse must meet certain employment criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which includes working for a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification [NOC] 0, A or B) or being a full-time student at a designated learning institution. For more information on the employment criteria, please visit IRCC’s website.

What are the requirements for Spousal Open Work Permit?

Your spouse or common-law partner can work in Canada while you study or work. To do so, they must apply for and obtain a spousal open work permit. The requirements for a spousal open work permit are as follows:

  1. You must have a valid study or work permit.
  2. Your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid passport.
  3. You must be married or in a common-law relationship with your spouse or common-law partner.
  4. You must prove that your marriage or common-law relationship is genuine by providing evidence of cohabitation, such as joint ownership of property, utility bills, and/or financial accounts.
  5. You and your spouse or common-law partner must sign an undertaking that says you will leave Canada at the end of the permitted stay shown on the work permit.
  6. There is no fee for applying for a spousal open work permit; however, your spouse or common-law partner may need to pay the Open Work Permit Holder fee and submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) with their application if they are from a country that is subject to biometric requirements.

The processing time for a spousal open work permit is typically around two weeks; however, this may vary depending on the Canadian visa office and other formalities. Once approved, the work permit will be valid for the same period as the spouse’s temporary resident visa.

What is the process of getting a spousal open work permit?

The process of obtaining a spousal open work permit in Canada is a two-stage process.

  • Firstly, the spouse must obtain a valid temporary resident visa.
  • Secondly, the spouse must apply for a work permit once they arrive in Canada.

The spouse must meet the requirements for a valid temporary resident visa, which include providing proof of relationship to the sponsoring Canadian citizen or permanent resident, as well as meeting all other admissibility requirements such as those related to health and security. The visa application must be submitted online or at a Canadian visa office located outside of Canada. If applying online, the applicant will need to create an account and complete the necessary forms.

Once the spouse has received their temporary resident visa and arrived in Canada, they can then apply for a work permit by completing the required application form and submitting it along with an appropriate fee.

A spousal open work permit allows your spouse to work full-time or part-time for any employer in Canada, without the need for a specific job offer.

Wrapping Up

If you need any help applying for a spousal open work permit in Canada, feel free to reach our experts at Akrami & Associates. We are a team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants, well adept with the application process for different kinds of visas and the challenges involving them.

We will guide you through the process and make sure ensuring you get your visa approved without any difficulties. For a free consultation, call 416-477-2545 or mail us at info@thevisa.ca. 

Latest Immigrations News

  • May 15, 2025

    Been Removed from Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know About ARC

    If you've been deported, issued a removal order, or asked to leave Canada under less-than-ideal circumstances, coming back isn’t as simple as buying a plane ticket. Whether you overstayed your visa, breached the conditions of your permit, or had a criminal record that made you inadmissible — [...]

  • May 13, 2025

    How to Handle a Procedural Fairness Letter from IRCC

    When you’re navigating the Canadian immigration process, few things are more stressful than receiving a procedural fairness letter (PFL). It’s the kind of notice that can make any applicant anxious — and for good reason. If you’ve received a procedural fairness letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship [...]

  • May 10, 2025

    Why Express Entry Is Getting Tougher — And What You Can Do About It

    We understand just how frustrating it has become for many skilled workers trying to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system. You’ve worked hard to build your profile, gain experience, and reach the CRS score you thought would be enough — only to watch the cut-offs [...]

Consultation icon

Book a Conslutation

One of our Representatives will
assist you with your matter. Book Now!
Click here

Call us icon

Call us for
more Information

+1-416-477-2545
Toll Free: 1-877-820-7121
Click here

Write Us (Online Form)

Complete our form and one of our
Representatives will contact you.
Click here

Akrami & Associates logo element small

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Akrami & Associates logo element

There is always a way