SPOUSAL OPEN WORK PERMIT (SOWP)

SPOUSAL OPEN WORK PERMIT (SOWP)

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is a type of work permit that enables an eligible person to sponsor his/her spouse or common-law partner’s work permit. For instance, if a primary applicant has a spouse/common-law partner who is Canadian, Permanent Resident, or have a valid work permit or study permit in Canada, then he/she is eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit.

The duration of their work permit will depend on the sponsor’s situation. For example, if a Canadian or Permanent Resident sponsors the spouse, then the applicant can first get a 2-year open work permit. If a spouse who has a valid work permit or study permit sponsors the applicant, then the applicant is eligible to get a work permit that expires on the same day as the sponsor.

The foreign worker who receives this work permit are allowed to work anywhere in Canada.