Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
A SOWP lets the spouse or common-law partner of certain principal applicants work for any employer while the principal's status is active.
Eligibility tightened in January 2025 — always verify current rules against the latest IRCC instructions. A SOWP can bridge processing time during an in-Canada spousal sponsorship (typically ~12 months).
Some details in this definition are flagged internally for a follow-up fact-check against the primary IRCC/provincial source; the text above is written conservatively pending that review.
Last verified: · Official source
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