Maple News reports that spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers in Canada may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), but eligibility depends on several factors including the principal foreign worker’s job type, immigration program, and work permit status.
To qualify, the foreign worker must be lawfully employed in Canada and must either currently reside in the country or plan to do so shortly. Equally important, the spouse or partner applying for the SOWP must hold valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore it, and must satisfy general work permit criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility hinges on the foreign worker’s occupation and immigration path. For instance, spouses of those who have applied for permanent residency (PR) through eligible programs — such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Atlantic Immigration Program — may qualify if the worker holds a valid work permit with at least six months remaining.
Spouses of low-skilled workers (TEER 4 or 5 under the National Occupation Classification) may also be eligible if the worker received their permit through certain PR pathways and meets the six-month validity requirement. Meanwhile, high-skilled foreign workers in TEER 0 or 1 roles must have at least 16 months of valid work authorization and be living or planning to live in Canada. The same time threshold applies to TEER 2 or 3 workers, but their job must be among specific eligible occupations.
Additionally, foreign workers in Canada under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may offer spousal eligibility pathways depending on the specifics of the agreement they fall under.
Spouses must meet general criteria including demonstrating their intent to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and any accompanying dependents, maintaining lawful status, and showing no criminal or security risks. A medical exam and background check may also be required.
Married partners and those in common-law relationships (defined as having lived together continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship) are both recognized for this program.
Maple News highlights that the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration programs, including recent announcements on streamlining work permit access for families of foreign workers, continues to position Canada as an attractive destination for both skilled professionals and their families.