Open work permit for spouses
An Open Work Permit (OWP) may be requested by the spouse of a sponsored person under certain conditions, particularly when a sponsorship application is in progress.
When can a OWP application be submitted during a family sponsorship?
✅ If the sponsorship application is made from within Canada (inland sponsorship application)
📌 The sponsored person must be physically present in Canada at the time the application is submitted.
📌 An application for permanent residency must already have been submitted under the family reunification program.
📌 The sponsored person must have a valid status in Canada (such as visitor, student or worker status).
✅ If the sponsored person does not have valid status in Canada, he/she may still apply for a PTO.
📌 He or she must be eligible for restoration of status.
📌 Canadian immigration sometimes offers public policies facilitating such applications.
When to apply for an open work permit?
📌 At the same time as the application for permanent residency : This is ideal to avoid additional delays.
📌 After receiving the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) of the sponsorship application: The OWP can be requested once the government has confirmed receipt of the file.
📌 If the sponsored person is already in Canada with a valid status (e.g. visitor): He/she can wait for the AOR before applying for the PTO.
Duration and renewal of the OWP
📌 The open work permit is generally valid until a final decision is made on the application for permanent residency, or for a maximum of 2 years, or if the passport expires before the allocated 2-year period.
📌 It may be extended if it takes longer to process the permanent residence application. Contact VisapourCanada for more information.
Open Work Permit (OWP) fee
$1150
$255 IRCC
Processing times
⏳ Approximately 4 to 6 months in general, but this may vary depending on IRCC's workload.
Benefits of the OWR for sponsoring families
✔ Allows sponsored spouse to work legally while awaiting processing.
✔ Reduces financial dependence on the sponsor.
✔ Promotes faster integration into the Canadian job market.
