Spousal open work permit (SOWP)

A spousal open work permit lets the spouse or common-law partner of a student or worker in Canada work for almost any employer. Since January 21, 2025, it depends on the principal applicant's study program or job.

Who qualifies

• Spouse of a student: the student is in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, certain university professional degrees (for example medicine, law, nursing, pharmacy, engineering, education), or an eligible pilot such as the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot outside Quebec (even at college).
• Most college and bachelor's programs no longer qualify.
• Spouse of a worker: the worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 job, or a TEER 2 or 3 job on IRCC's list, and their work permit is valid for at least 16 more months when IRCC receives your application.
• Dependent children are no longer eligible under the measure for spouses of high-skilled workers.

Documents usually needed

• Proof of the relationship (marriage certificate or common-law evidence)
• The principal applicant's study permit and enrolment proof, or work permit and employment letter
• Passport and identity documents

What often goes wrong

• A program or occupation that does not qualify (check the TEER from the job's main duties, not the person's degree).
• Not enough time left on the worker's permit (16 months).
• Weak proof that the relationship is genuine.

How RAE helps

• A consultation with a licensed RCIC to confirm you qualify and the best route.
• A personalised document checklist in your secure client portal.
• Every document reviewed before submission, with explanation letters where needed.
• Weekly updates until IRCC decides, and IRCC letters explained when they arrive.

Official sources (checked 2026-11-10): Help your spouse work in Canada: students (IRCC), Open work permits for spouses of workers (IRCC).

General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different: book a consultation with a licensed RCIC to discuss yours.