Last Updated: 18 September 2026

Why apply for Spousal Open Work Permit Canada?

• Start a life with your partner in Canada
• Earn in Canadian Dollars
• Freedom to choose your employer
• Get preference over LMIA
• Acquire Canada work experience

*Canadian immigration services are provided by Omid Rezaei Dastgerdi, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Licence No. R706545. 

Spousal Open Work Permit

A spousal open work permit is issued to the spouse or law partner of a Temporary Canada permit holder. The spousal open work permit authorizes the spouse to legally work in Canada.

The two programs listed below allow spouses or common-law partners to apply for visas:

Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers [C41]:

The program lets spouses of skilled workers working in Canada or who wishes to come to the country can apply for an open work permit, without the requirement of an employment offer.

Dependent spouses or partners are also eligible to apply for an open work permit under the LMIA-exemption code C41, provided they fulfill the requirements given below:

• Possesses a work permit with a validity of 6 months
• Proof of intention to physically live and seek employment in Canada
• Proof of employment of a job that is listed in the NOC (National Occupational Classification).

Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students [C42]:

The program lets full-time students apply for an open work permit in Canada.  

Dependent spouses or partners are also eligible to apply for an open work permit under the LMIA-exemption code C41, provided the principal worker is a full-time student or study permit at:

• Post-secondary institution (Public)
• Post-secondary institution (Private)
• A public or private secondary or post-secondary institution
• Canadian private institution that is authorized by a province

Benefits of Spousal Open Work Permit

Some of the benefits of the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) are as follows:

• Work while awaiting the visa decision: Applicants can remain in the country and earn while awaiting a decision for the visa.
• Live with your better-half: Applicants can reside in Canada despite having their sponsorship application in the process.
• Earn in Canadian dollars: Applicants can earn in Canadian dollars, giving them a chance to establish a career in Canada.
• Pick your employer: Unlike closed work permits, the SOWP allows applicants to choose the employer they want to work for.
• Get preference over LMIA: Employers usually pick SOWP candidates as they do not require LMIA.
• Gain work experience: Applicants can gain global work experience and exposure that will boost their career.  

Spouse Open Work Permit Canada Eligibility

The eligibility requirements  for the Spouse Open Work Permit is given below:

• The applicant must legally be married to the spouse and must have a legal common-law relationship.
• The applicant must be legally married for a minimum of 12 months.
• The applicant must have a valid study or work permit.
• The applicant must have no criminal history in Canada

Steps to Apply for Spouse Open Work Permit

You can follow the simple steps given below to apply for Spouse Open Work Permit:

Step 1: Check your eligibility with the Y-Axis Canada Immigration points calculator.

Step 2: Arrange the checklist of requirements for the permit.

Step 3: Apply for the permit

Step 4: Acquire the work permit

Step 5: Fly to Canada and start your career.

Open Work Permit Spouse Visa Processing time

The processing time for Spousal Open Work Permit generally takes 3 to 5 months, based on the mode of application.

*Note: Processing times may vary.

Canada Spouse Open Work Permit Fees

The cost of the Spousal Open Work Permit is $255.

How Y-Axis Supports Your Canada Application? 

Y-Axis Australia acts as a registered immigration Agent supporting Omid Rezaei Dastgerdi, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Licence No. R706545, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). 
As your administrative support team, Y-Axis can assist you with:

• Gathering and organising your supporting documents
• Coordinating appointments and communication on your behalf
• Providing general, publicly available information about Canadian immigration programmes

• Referring you to Omid Rezaei Dastgerdi, RCIC Licence No. R706545 for all regulated advice, eligibility assessments, and application representation 

• All regulated immigration advice, eligibility assessments, and application representation are the exclusive responsibility of Omid Rezaei Dastgerdi, RCIC Licence No. R706545 

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