Benefits of Canadian Open Work Permit for Your Spouse

If you’re a foreigner waiting for your spouse or common-law partner’s sponsorship application in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit, which can be obtained through the Outback Sponsorship Program. This permit allows you to work in Canada while waiting for your immigration application to be processed. Here are some of the benefits of getting a SOWP:

1. Living with your partner: SOWP allows you to live with your partner while waiting for your sponsorship application to be approved, which is not possible without SOWP or other forms of temporary status.
2. Finding a job while you wait: With a SOWP, you can stay in Canada and work while your immigration application is being processed, which can take 12 to 18 months.
3. Building your Canadian resume: Working in Canada with a SOWP can help you gain Canadian work experience, which can boost your chances of finding better job opportunities and higher earnings after you become a permanent resident.
4. Unlimited job opportunities: With an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada, while closed work permits restrict you to one employer or occupation. Employers who hire SOWP holders do not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

To be eligible for a SOWP, you must be living in Canada as a spouse or common-law partner with temporary status as a worker, student, or visitor. You must apply for permanent residence under the spouse/common-law partner category and be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You must also have a valid temporary resident status in Canada or have successfully applied for restoration of status and have the right to work there.

Applicants who have previously had their permanent residence application approved can submit their SOWP applications online. Even if you receive an approval-in-principle letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you still need to pass a medical, security, and background check. When the SOWP expires, you must apply for a license extension before it expires.

In conclusion, obtaining a SOWP is crucial for anyone waiting for their spouse or common-law partner’s sponsorship application in Canada. It allows you to live with your partner, work, and build your Canadian work experience, which can help you succeed in your career and increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident.