Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Spouses or partners of study permit or work permit holders can get an opportunity to come to Canada on a LMIA exempt open work permit. A spousal open work permit enables your spouse to work for any employer in Canada. Besides that, it also allows your children to pursue their education in Canadian schools. To be eligible for this work permit, the spouses or partner of the person intending to get work permit must be in Canada:

• Have a valis status as student and studying full time at a Designated Learning Institute, or
• Working in an occupation that falls under NOC O, A or B under National
  Occupation classification. These jobs can be managerial, professional, technical or of skilled trades.

To be eligible for a PGWP, an international student must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have completed at least 8 months long full-time study program in Canada
• The study program should have been pursued from a Designated Learning
  Institute (DLI)
• Submit a PGWP application within 180 days from the date of completion of the
  study program.