The Canadian government offers an open work permit to foreign nationals awaiting a decision on their common-law or spousal sponsorship application. With the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), inland sponsorship applicants have the possibility to work while their immigration applications are processed. Here are just some of the benefits of getting a spousal open work permit:
Spousal sponsorship applicants can stay in Canada while they wait for a decision on their immigration applications through the SOWP. In general, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes about 12 months to process an application for spousal sponsorship. The SOWP allows foreign nationals to work in Canada during this time.
Moreover, while living in Canada, you get the opportunity to build relationships, network, and improve your language skills.
Spouses and common-law partners who are already living together in Canada qualify for inland sponsorship. The foreign partner must already have temporary status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor. To qualify for a spousal open work permit, sponsorship candidates need to meet the following requirements:The applicant must submit a permanent residency application under the Spouse Common-Law Partner Category;
When a foreign spouse applies for permanent residency through spousal sponsorship, they can also apply for an open work permit at that time. The SOWP can be applied for online by applicants who have already received an approval in principle on their permanent residence application. A letter of approval in principle is an acceptance from IRCC which states that the spouse or partner meets the requirements for permanent residence, yet they have not yet passed the medical, security, and background checks. The SOWP may be extended if the immigration decision has not been made before it expires. In order to extend their permits, SOWP holders need to apply before the expiry date.
