About the Spousal Open Work Permit
If your spouse or common-law partner is sponsoring you for permanent residence, or holds certain valid Canadian status themselves, you may be able to get an open work permit while your sponsorship application is processed — letting you work for almost any employer in Canada in the meantime, rather than waiting for your permanent residence to be finalized.
Common Qualifying Situations
- You’re the sponsored spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with an in-Canada sponsorship application in process
- You’re the spouse or common-law partner of a principal applicant who holds a valid work or study permit for certain skilled or academic categories
Why It Matters
Sponsorship processing can take a year or more. An open work permit means you’re not left without income or work authorization while your case moves through IRCC — and because it’s open (not employer-specific), you’re free to work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada.
How We Help
We assess whether your relationship and status qualify for a spousal open work permit, and can file it alongside — or shortly after — your spousal sponsorship application.