Spouse Open Work Permit
Support Your Family’s Financial Stability in Canada with Spouse Open Work Permit Assistance from White Swan Immigration Consultants
International students in Canada often wish to bring their spouses or common-law partners to share their Canadian journey and experience. Recognizing this need, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers an open work permit for eligible spouses and partners of full-time study permit holders. This permit allows them to work for any employer in Canada, contributing to household finances, gaining Canadian work experience, and enhancing overall settlement success.
At White Swan Immigration Consultants in Richmond, BC, we specialize in comprehensive application support for spouse open work permits, ensuring your partner can work legally and seamlessly integrate into Canadian life while you pursue your studies.
What is a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)?
A Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open, employer-specific work authorization that allows spouses or common-law partners of full-time international students to work in Canada without a job offer. Key features include:
- Open Work Authorization: Work for any employer in Canada.
- Validity Tied to Student’s Study Permit: Usually valid for the same duration as the student’s permit, plus an additional 90 days.
- No Further LMIA Required: No Labour Market Impact Assessment needed, simplifying the application process.
Eligibility Criteria & 2025 Updates
Eligibility for SOWP includes:
- Relationship Verification: Must be legally married or in a common-law partnership with the student.
- Primary Study Permit Holder Status: The student must hold a valid full-time study permit from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Student’s Program Eligibility: The student’s program must be at least six months in length and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Active Enrollment: The student must be actively studying at the time of application.
2025 Policy Updates:
- Expanded Eligibility for Co-op Students: Students enrolled in co-op and work-integrated learning programs can now support SOWP applications for their partners even during work terms.
- Digital Documentation Portal: IRCC now allows online submission of common-law partnership evidence (cohabitation affidavits, joint bank statements) through the secure portal, reducing paper-based delays.
- Priority Processing for Open Work Permits: IRCC targets 8-week processing for SOWP applications, down from the previous 12-week average, responding to rising demand.
- Alternative Relationship Proof: Video interviews as acceptable supplementary evidence for spousal relationships when notarized documents are difficult to procure due to pandemic-related disruptions.
Our Spouse Open Work Permit Services
- Eligibility Assessment & Document Requirements
- Comprehensive review of relationship evidence: marriage certificates, joint leases, shared financial accounts, affidavits.
- Verification of student’s study permit status, DLI eligibility, and program requirements.
- Online Application Preparation
- Completing IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker) and supporting forms.
- Guidance on digital uploads of photos, passports, marriage documents, and proofs of cohabitation.
- Biometrics & Medical Coordination
- Assessing biometrics requirements and scheduling appointments at authorized centers.
- Referrals for panel physician medical exams if requested by IRCC.
- Submission & Real-Time Tracking
- Ensuring accurate fee payment and submission through IRCC’s secure online portal.
- Proactive monitoring and status updates to address any IRCC follow-up requests immediately.
- Work Permit Maintenance Guidance
- Advice on conditions compliance, renewal timelines, and combining work hours with study performance expectations.
- Strategies for bridging permits if needed when awaiting PR application outcomes.
- Integration Support & Employment Resources
- Referrals to job search platforms, resume workshops, and employer networking events in the Greater Vancouver area.
- Guidance on provincial healthcare registration, SIN application, and tax obligations for working spouses.
Benefits of Partnering with White Swan for SOWP Applications
- Comprehensive Family Support: Integrated services that align student and spouse immigration applications for synchronized approvals.
- Expert Relationship Documentation: We assist in preparing and validating complex cohabitation or spousal relationship evidence to IRCC standards.
- Fast-Track Through Digital Portals: Leverage IRCC’s latest digital tools for expedited processing and reduced wait times.
- Post-Permit Employment Coaching: Beyond permit issuance, we provide guidance on settling into the Canadian workforce and maximizing work experiences.
Apply for Your Spouse Open Work Permit Today
Ensure your partner can work legally in Canada and support your academic journey with confidence. Contact White Swan Immigration Consultants to schedule your Spouse Open Work Permit consultation and achieve synchronized family and academic success.
📍 Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
📧 Email: info@wsic.ca
📞 Phone: +1 778 772 7865
