Spouse Open Work Permit

Understanding the Spouse Open Work Permit

A spouse open work permit is a special permission that allows the spouses of certain temporary Canadian permit holders to work anywhere in Canada without many restrictions.

Who Can Apply for a Spousal Work Permit and Visa?

You must satisfy certain minimal requirements in order to be qualified for a spousal open work permit:

• • A qualifying foreign national who is a principal applicant, a permanent resident, or a citizen must be your real-life partner.
  • As the spouse of an eligible foreign national or as an applicant for an in-Canada sponsorship, you must be eligible (as previously mentioned).
  • You shouldn’t have any criminal convictions or medical conditions that would make it difficult for you to enter Canada.

Who’s Eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit?

Category	Principal Applicant’s Occupational Skill Level Requirement	Principal Applicant’s Minimum Work Permit Length
Spouses or common-law partners of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders	0, A, or B	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holders	Any occupational skill level	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominees	Any occupational skill level	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders	Varies depending on program principal applicant applies under	6 months
Spouses or common-law partners of open work permit holders other than BOWP (incl. PGWP, IEC)	0, A, or B	Not applicable
Spouses or common-law partners of study permit holders	Not applicable	Not applicable
In Canada spousal/common-law sponsorship applicants	Not applicable	Not applicable

Keep in mind that the precise requirements may vary depending on the category of Spousal Open Work Permit you are applying for.