What is a spouse work permit?

Spouse Work Permit:

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) specifically provides inland sponsorship applicants with the opportunity to work while their immigration application is in processing. It does not limit applicants to work for a certain type of employer.

Who can apply for a SOWP?

• If one spouse holds a work permit/study permit in Canada, the other spouse can apply for a spouse work permit with the same validity period as the work permit/study permit held by his/her spouse
• Applicants for Spousal Sponsorship Immigration can apply for a spouse work permit as long as the sponsor is qualified.
• If one spouse is nominated by the province, the other spouse can apply for a work permit at the same time to land in Canada together.

The benefits of SOWP: 

• Can stay in Canada legally within the validity period and work for any employer & any position
• Accumulate work experience for subsequent immigration
• Can apply for free English learning courses provided by government agencies
• Can apply for Provincial health coverage (after starting working)
• Enjoy some of the new immigrants’ benefits
  • Apply for bank accounts including credit cards
  • Be approved for mortgages when purchasing homes

Application requirements:

• The spouse holds a work permit and the current position belongs to one of the followings:
  • Skill Type 0 (zero): management jobs, such as:
    • restaurant managers
    • mine managers
    • shore captains (fishing)
  • Skill Level A: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university, such as:
    • doctors
    • dentists
    • architects
  • Skill Level B: technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice, such as:
    • chefs
    • plumbers
    • electricians
  • And must work for more than 6 months.
• The spouse is studying full-time at a designated higher education institution in Canada with a valid study permit
• Applied for inland spousal sponsorship immigration. The applicant can apply for a spouse work permit once the sponsor qualification is approved.

Application documents list: 

• Application form IMM5710
• Spouse’s proof of status in Canada (study permit/work permit/PR card/citizenship document, etc.)
• Spouse employment letter/verification of enrollment & school offer letter
• Marriage Certificate/Declaration of Cohabitation（COMMON-LAW DECLARATION）
• Passport/travel document, need to scan the first page & signature page & every page with visa and stamp
• Personal photos, etc.

How to immigrate after working?

• After accumulating a certain amount of work experience (NOC 0/A/B), applicants can obtain Canadian permanent residence through different provincial nomination programs and federal immigration programs:

1. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (Express Entry)
2. Other skilled immigration programs, such as Skilled Trades Ontario (+600 points)

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