Documents Required for Spouse Open Work Permit Canada 2025

Canada is a dream destination offering amazing opportunities for both study and work. If you’re the spouse of a student in Canada, you’re in luck! The Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows you to live and work in Canada, opening up exciting career opportunities while being with your partner. But here’s the catch- the application process can be tricky, and many people get stuck on the documents they need to provide. What exactly do you need to apply? What proof is required? It’s easy to feel lost. This blog is here to clear things up. Written with the guidance of a Canada spouse visa expert, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, it’s designed to make the process simple and stress-free. We’ll walk you through the documents you need for the Spouse Open Work Permit in 2025 and make sure you’re ready to take the next step toward working in Canada.

What is a Spouse Open Work Permit?

Before we jump into the list of documents, let’s first take a moment to understand what the Canada Spouse Open Work Permit is. For individuals who are married to an international student studying in Canada, the Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) is a valuable opportunity. This permit allows the spouse of an international student to live and work in Canada for the duration of the student’s academic program. What makes the Spouse Open Work Permit particularly advantageous is its open nature. Unlike employer-specific work permits that restrict employment to a single company or job role, the SOWP provides the flexibility to work for any employer, in any location across Canada, without requiring a job offer in advance. This means that spouses can actively participate in the Canadian workforce, gain valuable international work experience, and even contribute to household finances while their partner focuses on their studies.

Important Update: Changes to Open Work Permit Eligibility (2025)

The Government of Canada has made changes to the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWP) for spouses and family members of international students. These changes aim to strengthen the integrity of temporary resident programs while aligning with Canada’s economic and labor market needs. So, what does this mean for you? Not all spouses of international students will be eligible for an SOWP under the new rules. Let’s make it easy for you to understand:

Who is Eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit in 2025?

Your spouse can apply for an SOWP only if you are enrolled in one of the following programs:

Master’s degree programs (minimum duration: 16 months or longer)
Doctoral (PhD) degree programs
Eligible professional degree programs at a recognized Canadian university, including:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)

What if your spouse isn’t studying in one of these programs?

If your partner is not enrolled in an eligible program, they may still be able to get a different type of work permit, but not an open work permit. In such cases, you may need to explore other visa or work permit options based on your situation.

Essential Documents for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) in 2025

Now that we have a clear understanding of the latest updates and who is eligible for the Canada Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) in 2025, let’s get into a bit hard part—the documents required for a successful application. Many applicants find this step very stressful and overwhelming, but don’t worry! We’re going to break it down into simple steps so you can gather everything you need without confusion or stress.

Proof of Student’s Enrollment in Canada: Your spouse must provide one of the following documents to prove your enrollment in a program of study: A valid letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI). A proof of enrollment letter from your DLI. Transcripts from your current program.
Proof of Relationship: To qualify, you must provide official proof that you are legally married to the international student. Accepted documents include: Marriage certificate (for married couples), Evidence of cohabitation for at least 12 months, such as: Joint bank statements, Utility bills with both names, or Lease agreements showing a shared address.
Personal Documentation: This includes passport copies of both partners. Any qualification or work experience documents you may have (including your academic mark sheets, work-related documents, job offer letter, work experience letter).
Proof of Financial Support: Some applications may require proof that you have enough financial resources to support yourself. This can include recent bank statements showing sufficient funds, scholarship or funding proof (if applicable), employment letters or pay stubs (if your spouse works part-time).
Medical Exam: In some cases, applicants may be required to undergo a medical exam. If so, you’ll need to provide: Medical examination results from an approved panel physician.
Police Clearance Certificate (if required): If requested, you’ll need to provide: A police clearance certificate from your home country.

How to Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit?

Now that you have all the necessary documents ready, the next step is submitting your application for the Canada Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP). Most applications for an SOWP are done online, which is the fastest and most efficient way. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Step 1: Gather All Required Documents: Before you start the online application, make sure you have scanned copies of all the required documents. Your spouse’s proof of enrollment, Proof of your relationship, your passport, and other identification documents, and Proof of financial support. Having all these documents ready before you start will save you time and prevent unnecessary delays.
Create an Online Account: To apply for the SOWP, you will need to create an online account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. This account will allow you to: Submit your application online. Pay the necessary fees. Track the status of your application.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form: Once you’re logged in, you will need to complete the application form. The system will guide you through a series of questions to determine your eligibility. Based on your answers, you will receive a personalized document checklist, which tells you exactly which documents to upload. Any incorrect or missing information can lead to delays or even rejection.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees: Before submitting your application, you will be required to pay the processing fee. The cost may vary depending on your case, but typically, it includes: Work permit processing fee, Biometrics fee (if applicable).
Step 5: Submit Your Application: After uploading all your documents and making the payment, you can submit your application online. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation that your application has been received.
Step 6: Biometrics Appointment (if required): Depending on your country of residence, you might be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). If required, you will receive an instruction letter guiding you on how and where to complete this step. Make sure you attend the biometrics appointment on time to avoid delays in your application.

Common Reasons for SOWP Rejection & How to Avoid Them?

Here are the most common reasons applications get refused and how you can avoid them:

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Missing documents, incorrect forms, or outdated paperwork can lead to rejection. Solution: Double-check your application against the latest checklist from IRCC. Ensure all required documents, such as marriage certificates and proof of your spouse’s enrollment, are included.
Insufficient Proof of Relationship: Immigration officers need strong evidence that your relationship is genuine. Solution: Provide multiple supporting documents like wedding photos, joint bank statements, utility bills, and communication records.
Lack of Financial Proof: Some applications require proof of financial stability to show that you can support yourself in Canada. Solution: Submit bank statements, your spouse’s income proof, or scholarship details to demonstrate sufficient funds.
Errors in Application Forms: Small mistakes, like incorrect dates or missing information, can lead to delays or rejections. Solution: Carefully fill out the application, review it multiple times, and seek expert guidance if needed.
Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria: Under new 2025 rules, only spouses of students in eligible programs qualify for SOWP. Solution: Confirm your spouse’s program meets the updated criteria before applying.

Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of SOWP approval and brings you closer to working in Canada!

FAQ’s

Who is eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit in 2025?
In 2025, spouses of international students studying in eligible programs such as master’s, PhD, and certain professional degrees (e.g., MD, DDS, JD, BEng) can apply for an SOWP.

Do I need a job offer to apply for an SOWP?

No, a job offer is not required to apply for a Canada Spouse Open Work Permit.

How do I apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit?
You can apply online through the IRCC website by submitting the required documents, completing the application form, and paying the processing fee.

Can I apply for an SOWP if my spouse is in a diploma or undergraduate program?
No, under the new 2025 rules, only spouses of students in eligible master’s, PhD, and specific professional programs can apply for an SOWP.

What documents are required for an SOWP application?
Key documents include proof of marriage, spouse’s proof of enrollment in an eligible program, passport, financial proof, medical exam results, and police clearance (if requested).

West Highlander Immigration

Applying for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) in Canada can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges. From understanding eligibility rules to collecting the right documents, the process can feel confusing. But you don’t have to do it alone! At West Highlander Immigration, we make things simple for you. Led by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, our team has years of experience helping people like you successfully apply for visas. We guide you through every step, making sure your application is strong and complete. If you’re ready to take the next step and work in Canada while staying with your spouse, reach out to us today—we’re here to help!