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'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

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.

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