Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Eligibility Criteria For Spouses/Common-Law partners of Skilled Workers starting January 21, 2025:

The primary applicant must hold a valid work permit in one of the following occupations:​

• TEER 0 or 1 Occupations: All high-skilled occupations under these categories.​

• Select TEER 2 Occupations: Including, but not limited to, chemical technologists, biological technologists, and agricultural inspectors.​

• Select TEER 3 Occupations: Including, but not limited to, opticians, licensed practical nurses, and paramedical occupations.

For a comprehensive list of eligible occupations, click here.​

Eligibility Criteria for Spouses/Common-Law partners of International Students starting January 21, 2025:

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you have a valid study permit and are:

• Studying in a master’s degree program of 16 months or longer.​canada.ca

  • Studying in a doctoral degree program.​

  • Participating in an eligible program, such as:​

    • Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) (Outside of Quebec), From August 26, 2024.

    • Le projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’infirmières et d’infirmiers recrutés à l’international (Quebec), From April 30, 2024.

• Studying in one of the following professional degree programs at a university:​canada.ca

  • 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)

Eligibility Criteria for Spouses/Common-Law partners of International Students who applied for an open work permit before March 19, 2024:

• You have a valid study permit.
• You’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
• You’re a full-time student at one of the following types of schools:
• • • A public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
    • A private college-level school in Quebec.
    • A Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (e.g., a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree).
    • An educational institution offering vocational training in Quebec.

Eligibility Criteria: If your spouse or common-law partner is applying to extend their existing open work permit under this stream, you may be eligible if

• You have a valid study permit.
• You’re eligible for a PGWP.
• You’re a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
• • • A public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or a CEGEP in Quebec.
    • A private college-level school in Quebec.
    • A Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (e.g., a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree).
    • An educational institution offering vocational training in Quebec.

Maintained Status

Ensure you maintain your status in Canada by applying for the SOWP before your current permit expires.