Spouse Open Work Permit

Spouse Open Work Permit / SOWP

Index

Introduction

Spouse work permit, Spouse/common-law Open Work Permit, or SOWP for short, is a kind of open work permit and does not require any employer letter (Job Offer) or labor market impact assessment permit (LMIA). The holder can perform any work for any employer during the validity period of the work permit, or be self-employed . The length of the visa will be the same as that of the spouse’s student or work permit, and the renewal request can be made when the spouse renews.

Canada has always been encouraging and welcoming family reunions. International students who meet certain conditions or the spouse/legal partner of a work permit holder can apply for a Spouse/common-law Open Work Permit (Spouse/common-law Open Work Permit) and stay with their spouse in Canada.

Requirements

• Spouse/legal partner is an international student
• The spouse/legal partner is a foreign worker, and the foreign worker needs to meet:

• • Approved to work in Canada for 6 months or more
  • Meet the minimum requirements for the job (usually at least a college diploma is required), and the occupation type is NOC 0, A or B

• Applicants can apply for this type of open work permit while submitting an immigration application

Submit Method

• Can apply online
• You can also submit directly at the customs border

Documents Checklist

• Application Form IMM5710
• Marriage certificate, if not married, provide proof of common-law relationship
• Identification of family members in Canada (study permit, work permit, maple leaf card or citizenship certificate, etc.)
• Proof of family members studying and working in Canada, if they are citizens or permanent residents, submit the file number of the reunion immigration, etc.
• Passport or travel document, you need to scan the first page, signature page and every page with visa and stamps
• Digital photo. Click to view official photo requirements and specifications
• Proof of financial support (Bank statements)
• If your spouse has an open work permit, you must attach a copy of your spouse’s work permit to your application for an open work permit, along with: a letter from your spouse’s current employer that confirms they work there in a NOC O, A or B occupation, or a copy of your spouse’s employment offer or contract, and a copy of your spouse’s recent pay slips. (Reminder: Your permit will not be valid longer than your spouse’s work permit.)

Q&A

Fees

• The service fee does not include government fees, translation fees, notarization fees, delivery fees and other third-party fees