2025 New Requirements for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)

The Canadian Immigration has made the below announcement regarding SOWP Applications on 2025-Jan-14 ** (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/changes-open-work-permits-family-members-temporary-residents.html). The new requirements are listed below ***:

1. If the spouse/ partner of a study permit holder needs to apply for SOWP, the study permit holder must be studying in the following education program in Canada:

• Doctoral Program
• Master’s programs (Minimum program length 16 months)
• Other designated programs (such as Bachelor of Nursing, Education, Engineering, etc.)

2. If the spouse/ partner of a work permit holder needs to apply for SOWP, the work permit holder must meet the following requirements:

• The work permit holder’s work permit must be valid for 16 months or more
• The work permit holder’s job must be in TEER 0 or TEER 1 categories; or,
• designated jobs in TEER 2 and TEER 3 categories (such as jobs related to engineering, health care, natural resources, etc.)

** The content shall be subjected to the original government press release.

*** The above new regulations do not apply to SOWP applications submitted before January 21, work permits granted based on free-trade agreements, and work permits issued for the transitioning to permanent residence (e.g. BOWP).

The Canadian Immigration has been making frequent policy changes recently. A small mistake or omission of application information may affect your plan and lead to visa refusal, loss of legal status to reside, study and work in Canada. Professional advice is crucial, please feel free to contact us.