Spousal Open Work Permit FAQ: 14 Common Questions (2025 Update)

A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open work permit—a work permit not tied to a specific employer—that spouses of international students and foreign workers in Canada can apply for.
Its biggest advantage is that it not only lets you work in Canada but also allows you to work in any occupation and in any region.

However, since January 2025 the eligibility requirements have become stricter, limiting who can apply.

Q1. What are the requirements for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

If the principal applicant holds a work permit

• Holds a valid work permit or a work permit approval letter
• At least 16 months remaining on the permit
• Working in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or in a designated TEER 2 or 3 occupation
• Plans to live in Canada during the period of employment

If the principal applicant holds a study permit

• Studying full-time in a graduate program (a master’s program of 16 months or longer, or a doctoral program)
• Studying full-time in an undergraduate (bachelor’s) program in a designated field such as medicine, law, nursing or engineering

Requirements for the spouse or partner

• Has no criminal record and meets the requirements for obtaining a visa
• Is in a genuine marriage or partnership
• Is staying in Canada legally

Q2. Are spouses of college students eligible?

A: No. Since March 19, 2024, spouses of students in college and other non-graduate programs—whether at public or private institutions—are generally no longer eligible. Since January 21, 2025, eligibility is limited to spouses of students in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and select professional and other eligible programs.

Q3. Can I apply if we are in a common-law relationship?

A: Yes, you can apply as a common-law partner.
However, you will be required to submit documents proving that you have lived together for at least one year (such as utility bills or a joint bank account).

Q4. If we have children, can I work while raising them?

A: Absolutely.
There are no childcare-related restrictions on a work permit. However, childcare in Canada is very different from Japan, so you will need to prepare in advance.

Q5. Can I find a job if I don’t speak English?

A: It is possible, but your options will be limited.
Japanese restaurants, cleaning, and kitchen helper positions in particular sometimes hire people with no experience and only basic English.
If you can hold everyday conversations in English, you can try a much wider range of jobs.

Q6. If we both work, where can we leave our children?

A: Canada has daycare centres (known as “daycare”) and after-school programs (known as “Out of School Care”). How these services work is very different from Japan. In some areas the waitlists can be long, so it is recommended that you gather enough information in advance about the area where you plan to live.

Q7. Can I work in Canada while my application is being processed?

A: As a general rule, you cannot work until your permit is issued.
In some cases you may be able to work legally while your application is in process, so please contact Shiraishi Visa JP Canada for details.

Q8. Can I work as a freelancer or be self-employed?

A: Yes.
Because it is an open work permit, you are allowed not only to be employed but also to work freelance or start your own business.

Q9. Are there any restrictions on where I can work?

A: You can apply to jobs in any industry, including restaurants, hotels, IT companies, apparel and office work (except jobs related to the sex industry).
However, some occupations may require a medical exam (e.g., caregiving and healthcare).

Q10. Can a Spousal Open Work Permit application be refused?

A: Yes.

• The principal applicant does not meet the requirements
• Incomplete documents
• Insufficient proof of the relationship

These are among the common reasons. If you have any concerns, we strongly recommend consulting a professional.

Q11. Do my application documents need to be translated?

A: Yes, documents in Japanese must be translated into English.
A certified translation by an official translator is recommended.

Q12. Can I apply from outside Canada?

A: Yes.
Applying online from outside Canada is the standard method. Applying at the airport (port of entry) is only possible in limited cases: since December 23, 2024, people who are already in Canada can no longer leave and re-enter (so-called “flagpoling”) to get a work permit at the border, and travellers arriving from abroad must meet strict port-of-entry eligibility requirements. Whether you can apply from inside Canada after entering as a visitor depends on your situation, so which method is best needs to be decided case by case.

Q13. Can I extend my spousal work permit before it expires?

A: Yes.
If the principal applicant’s permit is extended, the spouse’s work permit can be extended accordingly. We recommend starting the process early.

Q14. I’m not sure whether we qualify or what we should do next…

A: Shiraishi Visa JP Canada offers free consultations with a legal assistant for up to one hour in total.
If you would like advice on your individual case—for example, “I want to know whether I qualify” or “I’d like help planning for permanent residence in Canada”—please use our paid consultation service with an experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.

A Spousal Open Work Permit is a great opportunity for your whole family to live in Canada.
The 2025 changes have narrowed eligibility and made the requirements stricter, but if you meet them, the permit gives you a great deal of freedom in how you work.

What matters is accurately determining whether you qualify and acting according to a plan.
Shiraishi Visa JP Canada always provides professional advice based on the latest program information.

If you are considering staying in Canada with your family, please feel free to contact us.