Spousal sponsorship: get your partner living and working in Canada as quickly as possible
Sponsored spouses and common-law partners can often begin living and working in Canada long before their permanent residence (PR) application is finalized. When eligibility conditions are met, the sponsored person may apply for a spousal open work permit (OWP) that allows them to work anywhere in Canada while their sponsorship file proceeds. This pathway shortens separation, preserves income for the family, and provides lawful status during what can otherwise be a lengthy PR process.
This article explains the two sponsorship routes (inland and outland), how the OWP fits into each, who qualifies, the step-by-step application process, required documents and practical tips to speed the process and reduce risk.
Key takeaway
If your spouse or partner is included in a complete sponsorship application and is living with you in Canada, they may be eligible for an open work permit after IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). Outland applicants can also come to Canada as visitors and then apply for an OWP from inside Canada once the sponsor’s PR application has an AOR—allowing many couples to reunite quickly and begin working.
Inland vs outland sponsorship — what’s the difference?
Inland sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class)
- Use this when the sponsored person already lives with the sponsor in Canada.
- The sponsored person is expected to remain in Canada while the PR application is processed.
- Inland sponsorship permits an OWP application from inside Canada after IRCC issues an AOR.
- There is no right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division if the PR application is refused.
Outland sponsorship (Family Class)
- Use this when the sponsored person lives outside Canada, or when the couple prefers having the right to appeal a refusal.
- Outland applicants can still enter Canada as visitors (where eligible) and then apply for an OWP from inside Canada after the sponsor’s PR application receives an AOR.
- Outland processing may allow more geographic flexibility but requires careful timing for visitor visas and maintained status.
Who can apply for a spousal open work permit?
The sponsored spouse or common-law partner can apply for an OWP if they meet all of the following conditions:
- They are included in a PR sponsorship application (inland or outland) submitted by the sponsor.
- IRCC has issued an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) confirming the sponsorship application is complete.
- They are living in Canada with the sponsor at the time of the OWP application.
- They have valid temporary resident status in Canada (visitor, worker, student), or are covered by IRCC’s spousal public policy that applies to certain out-of-status cases.
- Their PR application has not been refused, withdrawn, or returned.
Important exclusions: an OWP is not available at a port of entry in lieu of an in-Canada application; the sponsored person must apply from inside Canada.
How to apply — step-by-step (inland applicants)
- Submit the inland sponsorship PR application using IRCC’s online process. Ensure all forms and supporting documents are complete.
- Wait for the AOR. IRCC issues an AOR when the PR sponsorship application is accepted as complete.
- File the OWP application online in the sponsored person’s IRCC secure account (separate from the PR portal):
- Choose “Open work permit.”
- In the “Details of intended work” field, use the required wording: enter “SCLPC FC OWP” as the job title and “SCLPC FC applicant in Canada public policy” as the description.
- Upload the AOR, proof of temporary resident status, identity documents, and relationship evidence.
- Maintain legal status in Canada while the OWP is processed. Do not start work until the OWP is issued unless the sponsored person already holds a valid work permit and maintained status applies.
- Receive the OWP and begin working freely (subject to usual medical/exclusion rules for certain regulated occupations).
How outland applicants can obtain an OWP (common pathway)
- Sponsor submits the PR sponsorship application and receives an AOR.
- The sponsored person applies for a visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada; IRCC may expedite visitor processing for cases with an AOR.
- On arrival, while living with the sponsor in Canada, the sponsored person applies for an in-Canada OWP using the same process and wording as inland applicants.
- If approved, the OWP allows immediate work without needing a separate employer-specific permit.
Note: visitor visa approval is not guaranteed—applicants must still meet normal visitor requirements (ties to home country, funds, genuine temporary intent if required).
Documents to prepare for the OWP application
- AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) for the sponsorship application.
- Proof of status in Canada (visitor record, study permit, existing work permit) or evidence of eligibility under spousal public policy.
- Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, civil union, joint leases, shared bank accounts, photographs, correspondence, affidavits from friends or family, etc.
- Passport bio-page scan and any previous Canadian immigration documents.
- Police certificates and medical exam (if requested later for the PR application; not routinely required for the OWP itself).
- Applicant photograph(s) complying with IRCC specifications.
Label and organize digital copies clearly; incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a common cause of delays.
Timing and processing expectations
- There is no guaranteed processing time for the spousal OWP; times vary by application centre and workload. Check IRCC’s online processing times tool for current estimates.
- The OWP becomes possible only after the sponsor receives an AOR for the PR application. Applying for the OWP before the AOR is issued will cause refusal.
- If the sponsored person’s temporary status in Canada expires while the OWP is in process, they must have applied to restore status or otherwise maintain legal presence—failure to maintain valid status may affect eligibility.
Practical tips to speed approval and reduce risk
- Submit a complete PR sponsorship application the first time—missing documents delay the AOR and OWP eligibility.
- Use the exact wording IRCC requires in the OWP application’s work details field; small wording errors can result in refusal.
- Keep proof of cohabitation and relationship strong and organized; IRCC will scrutinize genuineness.
- Apply for the visitor visa early (for outland applicants who plan to enter Canada first) and include evidence of the sponsor’s AOR to support expedited processing where applicable.
- If status is expiring, renew early or apply to restore; maintained status can be crucial to remain eligible.
- Avoid misrepresentation—declare prior refusals, criminal history, or other complications honestly and provide explanations or legal support where needed.
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