Spousal open work permits are available through distinct immigration categories. These include eligible sponsored spouses or partners living in Canada with their sponsor, and spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers or international students. Each category has its own requirements. Marriage, sponsorship submission, or a spouse’s Canadian permit does not by itself establish eligibility.
Eligibility and official sources checked: October 15, 2026. Rules can change. Review the requirements for your category before applying.
📋 Quick Facts
- Government Fee: CAD $255 ($155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee), unless exempt
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per individual, if required
- Processing Time: Varies by application type and location; check IRCC’s current estimate
- RCIC-IRB Representation: Available — Dimple Verma R708308
SOWP Eligibility by Category
- Sponsored spouses and partners living in Canada
- Spouses of foreign workers and eligible TEER occupations
- Spouses of self-employed foreign workers
- Spouses of international students and eligible programs
Sponsored Spouses and Partners in Canada
The A74 public-policy category covers qualifying permanent residence (PR) applicants under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class (SCLPC) and qualifying spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners under the Family Class. The applicant must share a Canadian residential address with their Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor when applying. Qualifying temporary resident status, maintained status, or eligibility for restoration with a restoration application submitted is required. A genuine relationship and a qualifying PR application are required. Applicants must be physically in Canada when IRCC decides the work-permit application. Other eligibility and admissibility requirements also apply.
Official guidance: Sponsored spouse and partner public policy.
Applicants whose PR application is being processed under the out-of-status spousal public policy generally must wait for approval in principle before applying for an open work permit. This is distinct from A74.
Official guidance: A74 eligibility and exclusions.
When Can I Apply for the SOWP?
An acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) is normally required. IRCC permits an application without it when your work permit, study permit or temporary resident status expires in two weeks or less and you have already submitted the qualifying sponsorship-based permanent residence application. You must still meet the other requirements. Under this exception, include the required status document and proof of PR submission. An AOR confirms that IRCC has checked the application for completeness; it is not PR approval.
Official guidance: AOR exception and required documents.
Can I Apply as a Visitor?
Valid visitor status may satisfy the status requirement, but it does not establish eligibility on its own. Review the sponsorship, residence, relationship and application-timing requirements above. A visitor visa and authorized visitor status are different.
Official guidance: Sponsored applicant eligibility.
Spouses of Foreign Workers and Eligible TEER Occupations
Under the general high-skilled-worker category, an eligible spouse or common-law partner may apply when the principal worker is employed or will be employed in any NOC 2021 TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, or a specifically listed TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupation, when the spouse submits the application.
The principal worker must hold a qualifying work permit, work-permit approval or authorization to work without a permit, and live or plan to live in Canada while working. Normally, the work authorization must remain valid for at least 16 months after IRCC receives the spouse’s application. Other eligibility and admissibility requirements also apply.
The spouse must demonstrate a genuine relationship and meet the general work-permit requirements. Applicants in Canada must have valid status, maintained status, or qualify for restoration. A pending PGWP application alone is insufficient: IRCC must approve the PGWP before deciding the spousal work-permit application.
Complete eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 NOC lists
The tables below reproduce the codes and occupation titles on IRCC’s general high-skilled-worker spouse eligibility list. They are not the full NOC catalogue. Match the actual job duties to the official NOC description; a job title alone is not enough.
Eligible TEER 2 occupations (105 NOC codes)
| NOC 2021 code | Occupation title |
|---|---|
| 22100 | Chemical technologists and technicians |
| 22101 | Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
| 22110 | Biological technologists and technicians |
| 22111 | Agricultural and fish products inspectors |
| 22112 | Forestry technologists and technicians |
| 22113 | Conservation and fishery officers |
| 22114 | Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists |
| 22210 | Architectural technologists and technicians |
| 22211 | Industrial designers |
| 22212 | Drafting technologists and technicians |
| 22213 | Land survey technologists and technicians |
| 22214 | Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology |
| 22220 | Computer network and web technicians |
| 22221 | User support technicians |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians |
| 22230 | Non-destructive testers and inspectors |
| 22231 | Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers |
| 22232 | Occupational health and safety specialists |
| 22233 | Construction inspectors |
| 22300 | Civil engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22301 | Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22302 | Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians |
| 22303 | Construction estimators |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22311 | Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) |
| 22312 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
| 22313 | Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors |
| 32100 | Opticians |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations |
| 32103 | Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
| 32104 | Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
| 32109 | Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 32110 | Denturists |
| 32111 | Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
| 32112 | Dental technologists and technicians |
| 32120 | Medical laboratory technologists |
| 32121 | Medical radiation technologists |
| 32122 | Medical sonographers |
| 32123 | Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists |
| 32124 | Pharmacy technicians |
| 32129 | Other medical technologists and technicians |
| 32200 | Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists |
| 32201 | Massage therapists |
| 32209 | Other practitioners of natural healing |
| 42102 | Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
| 72010 | Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations |
| 72011 | Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations |
| 72012 | Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades |
| 72013 | Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades |
| 72014 | Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers |
| 72020 | Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades |
| 72021 | Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews |
| 72022 | Supervisors, printing and related occupations |
| 72023 | Supervisors, railway transport operations |
| 72024 | Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators |
| 72025 | Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations |
| 72100 | Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors |
| 72101 | Tool and die makers |
| 72102 | Sheet metal workers |
| 72103 | Boilermakers |
| 72104 | Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters |
| 72105 | Ironworkers |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72200 | Electricians (except industrial and power system) |
| 72201 | Industrial electricians |
| 72202 | Power system electricians |
| 72203 | Electrical power line and cable workers |
| 72204 | Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers |
| 72205 | Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians |
| 72300 | Plumbers |
| 72301 | Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers |
| 72302 | Gas fitters |
| 72310 | Carpenters |
| 72311 | Cabinetmakers |
| 72320 | Bricklayers |
| 72321 | Insulators |
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 72401 | Heavy-duty equipment mechanics |
| 72402 | Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics |
| 72403 | Railway carmen/women |
| 72404 | Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors |
| 72405 | Machine fitters |
| 72406 | Elevator constructors and mechanics |
| 72410 | Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers |
| 72411 | Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators |
| 72420 | Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics |
| 72421 | Appliance servicers and repairers |
| 72422 | Electrical mechanics |
| 72423 | Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics |
| 72429 | Other small engine and small equipment repairers |
| 72500 | Crane operators |
| 72501 | Water well drillers |
| 72600 | Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors |
| 72601 | Air traffic controllers and related occupations |
| 72602 | Deck officers, water transport |
| 72603 | Engineer officers, water transport |
| 72604 | Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators |
| 72999 | Other technical trades and related occupations |
| 82010 | Supervisors, logging and forestry |
| 82020 | Supervisors, mining and quarrying |
| 82021 | Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services |
| 82030 | Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors |
| 82031 | Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services |
Eligible TEER 3 occupations (32 NOC codes)
| NOC 2021 code | Occupation title |
|---|---|
| 33100 | Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| 33101 | Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 33103 | Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
| 33109 | Other assisting occupations in support of health services |
| 43100 | Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants |
| 43204 | Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces |
| 53200 | Athletes |
| 53201 | Coaches |
| 73100 | Concrete finishers |
| 73101 | Tilesetters |
| 73102 | Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers |
| 73110 | Roofers and shinglers |
| 73111 | Glaziers |
| 73112 | Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) |
| 73113 | Floor covering installers |
| 73200 | Residential and commercial installers and servicers |
| 73201 | General building maintenance workers and building superintendents |
| 73202 | Pest controllers and fumigators |
| 73209 | Other repairers and servicers |
| 73300 | Transport truck drivers |
| 73301 | Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators |
| 73310 | Railway and yard locomotive engineers |
| 73311 | Railway conductors and brakemen/women |
| 73400 | Heavy equipment operators |
| 73401 | Printing press operators |
| 73402 | Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction |
| 83100 | Underground production and development miners |
| 83101 | Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers |
| 83110 | Logging machinery operators |
| 83120 | Fishing masters and officers |
| 83121 | Fishermen/women |
Different categories and special measures
These occupation lists and the 16-month requirement are not universal rules for every family open work permit. Eligible permanent-residence-related categories, certain free trade agreements and special measures have their own conditions. For example:
- British Columbia significant investment projects: since March 23, 2026, qualifying spouses of workers with a work permit or approval under a SIP agreement may qualify at any TEER level, without the 16-month requirement.
- Quebec-recruited healthcare workers: since May 25, 2026, the 16-month requirement does not apply to qualifying foreign-trained workers recruited by Quebec in NOC 31301, 32103 or 32120. The specified recruitment-program requirements still apply.
- Quebec PSTQ applicants: a separate spousal work-permit measure applies to eligible spouses and common-law partners of temporary workers applying under the PSTQ public policy. The spouse must, among other conditions, be included as an accompanying family member in the permanent-selection application.
Existing in-Canada family work permits: a limited extension route may apply where the family member’s current permit expires earlier than the principal worker’s permit and the extension is requested before the initial permit expires. The principal worker’s permit and the family member’s passport and biometric validity limit the extension. This is separate from eligibility for a new application.
Source: IRCC: Open work permits for family members of foreign workers, who can apply. NOC codes and eligibility checked October 15, 2026. Immigration rules can change; eligibility must be assessed under the category that fits the applicant’s circumstances.
Spouses of Self-Employed Foreign Workers
Spouses and common-law partners of self-employed foreign workers may qualify for an open work permit under C41. The principal worker must hold an eligible open work permit and demonstrate genuine self-employment in TEER 0 or 1, or an occupation on IRCC’s eligible TEER 2 or 3 list. The actual work performed must support the claimed NOC.
Evidence should demonstrate business ownership, the relevant occupational duties and concrete steps to implement the business plan. Depending on the business, this may include ownership agreements, a business number, startup and operating funds, business-premises documents and a staffing plan where applicable. A business plan alone does not establish eligibility.
The other worker-spouse requirements still apply, including qualifying work authorization generally lasting at least 16 months after IRCC receives the spouse’s application, a genuine relationship and the applicable residence, status and admissibility requirements. Self-employment does not make every open-work-permit holder eligible.
A principal worker who holds a spousal open work permit cannot use that permit to establish reciprocal eligibility for their spouse under this category, even if the principal worker is self-employed.
Official guidance: C41 guidance including self-employed principal workers | Worker-family eligibility | Supporting documents for worker families.
Spouses of International Students
For applications under the rules effective January 21, 2025, the international student must hold a valid study permit and be studying in a master’s degree program lasting at least 16 months, a doctoral degree program, one of the university professional degrees below, or one of IRCC’s specifically eligible programs.
Attending a designated learning institution alone is insufficient.
Eligible professional degree programs at a university
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
Other specifically eligible programs
Eligibility is tied to participation in the named program. A similar course title or study in the same province does not, by itself, qualify.
| Province or territory | Program | Eligibility starts |
|---|---|---|
| Outside of Quebec | Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) | From August 26, 2024 |
| Quebec | Le projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’infirmières et d’infirmiers recrutés à l’international | From April 30, 2024 |
| Quebec | Projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’inhalothérapeutes formés à l’étranger | From January 21, 2025 |
| Quebec | Projet de recrutement et reconnaissance des compétences de technologistes médicaux formés à l’étranger | From January 21, 2025 |
| Ontario | Supervised Practice Experience Partnership | From January 21, 2025 |
| Manitoba | Nurse Re-Entry (Red River College Polytechnic) | From January 21, 2025 |
| British Columbia | Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (The University of British Columbia) | From January 21, 2025 |
| British Columbia | Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) (The University of British Columbia) | From January 21, 2025 |
| British Columbia | Post-Degree Diploma: Nursing Practice in Canada (Langara College) | From January 21, 2025 |
Evidence and extensions
Provide enrolment evidence, relationship evidence and, where applicable, proof of participation in an eligible program. IRCC generally aligns the spouse’s work permit with the student’s study-permit validity.
Extensions have a separate test: IRCC’s current instructions require the student to hold a valid study permit, be in Canada or plan to be physically in Canada while studying, be enrolled full time in a PGWP-eligible DLI program, and not be in the final term. An extension cannot run past the study permit’s expiry.
Source: IRCC: Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada. Information checked October 15, 2026.
Application Process and Status While Waiting
Confirm the correct category and application timing, then follow IRCC’s current checklist. Sponsored applicants generally apply separately through the IRCC secure account or their authorized representative’s portal. Do not include the work permit application in the Permanent Residence Portal.
Official guidance: Sponsored applicant submission instructions.
Submitting a sponsorship application does not itself authorize work. A qualifying work-permit extension filed before expiry may allow continued work under the existing permit’s conditions while the applicant remains in Canada and awaits a decision. A visitor applying for a first work permit cannot begin working merely because that application is pending.
Official guidance: Maintained status and continued work.
Duration and Renewals
Under A74, a permit may be issued for up to 24 months, limited by passport expiry. Extensions require eligibility under the appropriate category; a pending PR application alone does not guarantee renewal. SCLPC applicants who have received approval in principle may qualify under the separate A70 provisions. For worker- and student-spouse permits, validity and extension eligibility depend on the applicable category and the principal applicant’s authorization. Check the expiry and conditions printed on your permit.
Official guidance: A74 duration and extensions | Worker-family extension requirements.
Work Rights and Benefits
An open work permit generally permits work for different eligible employers. Holders must follow all conditions printed on the permit, including any medical-related occupational restrictions. Employers on IRCC’s ineligible-employer list and employers regularly offering specified adult services are excluded. An SOWP does not automatically confer entitlement to Employment Insurance or provincial benefits. Each program has its own eligibility requirements.
Official guidance: Open work permit restrictions | Foreign workers and Employment Insurance.
Canadian Work Experience for Express Entry
Work gained on an SOWP may qualify, but the permit type alone is insufficient. For Canadian Experience Class, qualifying experience must generally be paid, authorized Canadian work in TEER 0–3, amounting to at least one year within the preceding three years, with the required duties and hours. Full-time student work and self-employment generally do not count, subject to limited exceptions. Language, admissibility and other requirements also apply. CRS points require a separate assessment.
Official guidance: Canadian Experience Class requirements.
Processing Times
Processing times vary. Check IRCC’s current estimate for your application type and location; estimates are not guarantees.
Official guidance: Current processing times.
How VGIS Helps
The SOWP is straightforward in principle but requires careful coordination with the sponsorship or primary work/study permit file. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, and the VGIS team assist families by reviewing eligibility, preparing both the SOWP application and the underlying sponsorship file simultaneously, and advising on renewal timing to avoid gaps in work authorisation. For a review of your specific situation, book a paid consultation.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Standard government fees, unless exempt | $255 total ($155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee) |
| Biometrics, if required | $85 per individual |
Standard government fees: CAD $255, comprising the $155 work-permit processing fee and $100 open-work-permit holder fee, unless exempt. Biometrics are CAD $85 per individual, if required. Restoration or other applicable fees may be additional.
Official guidance: Current government fees.
Key Documents Required
Required documents depend on the category. They may include relationship evidence, passport and status documents, proof of shared Canadian residence, the PR AOR or permitted substitute evidence, and evidence of the principal worker’s employment or student’s eligible studies. Follow the personalized checklist and category-specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
My husband just submitted the spousal sponsorship application. When can I apply for the SOWP?
An acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) is normally required. IRCC permits an application without it when your work permit, study permit or temporary resident status expires in two weeks or less and you have already submitted the qualifying sponsorship-based permanent residence application. You must still meet the other requirements. Under this exception, include the required status document and proof of PR submission. An AOR confirms that IRCC has checked the application for completeness; it is not PR approval.
Official guidance: AOR exception and required documents.
Can I apply for the SOWP if I am currently on a visitor visa with no other status?
Valid visitor status may satisfy the status requirement, but it does not establish eligibility on its own. Review the sponsorship, residence, relationship and application-timing requirements above. A visitor visa and authorized visitor status are different.
How long will the SOWP be valid for?
Under A74, a permit may be issued for up to 24 months, limited by passport expiry. Extensions require eligibility under the appropriate category; a pending PR application alone does not guarantee renewal. SCLPC applicants who have received approval in principle may qualify under the separate A70 provisions. For worker- and student-spouse permits, validity and extension eligibility depend on the applicable category and the principal applicant’s authorization. Check the expiry and conditions printed on your permit.
Does the SOWP count as Canadian work experience for Express Entry?
Work gained on an SOWP may qualify, but the permit type alone is insufficient. For Canadian Experience Class, qualifying experience must generally be paid, authorized Canadian work in TEER 0–3, amounting to at least one year within the preceding three years, with the required duties and hours. Full-time student work and self-employment generally do not count, subject to limited exceptions. Language, admissibility and other requirements also apply. CRS points require a separate assessment.
Can my spouse’s SOWP be refused even if the sponsorship application was accepted?
Yes. The SOWP application is evaluated separately. An officer can refuse it if they are not satisfied with the proof of relationship, if the sponsored person has violated their status conditions in Canada, or if there are admissibility concerns. An AOR confirms that IRCC has checked the PR application for completeness and that it is being processed; it is not approval of the PR application.
What happens to the SOWP if the spousal sponsorship is refused?
If IRCC refuses the permanent residence application, that refused application cannot support a new or extended open work permit under the sponsored-family policy. Inland sponsorship refusals have no IAD sponsorship appeal. Where a Family Class sponsorship appeal is available, the sponsor files it. An appeal does not itself extend status or authorize work. Your existing permit, any cancellation notice, and any qualifying pending extension must be assessed separately. Seek prompt advice about your status and challenge deadlines.
Refusal answer updated October 15, 2026. See IRCC’s sponsored-family open work permit guidance and sponsorship refusal and appeal information.
Official guidance: Sponsored-family open work permits | Family members of foreign workers | Spouses of international students.
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