Immigrating to Canada by yourself isn’t easy, especially if it means moving away from your family. If you are studying in Canada or working on a temporary basis, you might wish your spouse or common-law partner to accompany you. Thanks to the immigration policies of Canada, your spouse, or partner may be eligible to get a work permit.
A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) enables the spouse or the common law, partner of a work permit or study permit holder to work for any eligible Canadian employer. One thing you should note is that this permit is not employer-specific, meaning you do not have to get a job offer to apply for one. Instead, one thing you can do is just come to Canada and search for a job here after you arrive.
Last, but not least Canadian employers don’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada to hire applicants who have an open work permit. Therefore, it is easier for a SOWP holder to land a job in this country.
With the spouse by your side, transitioning into a new life will be less difficult. But how could they apply for a spouse and open work permit in Canada from India? Let’s find out.
How much time does it take for a SOWP approval?
Well, generally, the processing time takes between 3 to 5 months, but it is subject to change. The time varies depending on the volume of the application and the completeness of your application
Who is eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit?
To apply for an open work permit, made the following requirements:
- Must be in a genuine relationship with the principal applicant
- Your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid work permit or a study permit
- Your spouse partner should have a minimum of six months validity left on their work or study permit at the time you are applying for SOWP
- You can only apply for an open work permit in high-skill occupations
Documentation required for spousal permit open work permit
Submit the following documents required for spouse visa Canada with your application:
- Proof of relationship
You must provide a marriage certificate in married or a declaration of a common-law relationship if that’s the case. Along with this, submit documentation of joint property ownership or rent documents or other important documents with the same residential addresses - proof that you’ve been living together for at least one year.
- Proof of your spouse’s or common-law partner’s status in Canada
If they’re on a work permit in Canada:
- A copy of the job offer of contract from the current employer of your spouse
- Copies of their last three pay stubs
- A copy of their valid work permit
If they’re on a study permit in Canada:
- Enrollment letter proving they are studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof that they are a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible study program and institution
- A copy of their valid study permit
- Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter
If your PR application is under process, get your AOR, which confirms that the immigration authorities have received your application and are processing it.
- A Valid Passport
Check the expiry date of your passport, before you apply for a SOWP. Your work permit will not be valid after it has expired or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s work permit, whichever is first.
- Biometrics
You need to give biometrics as a part of your Canada PR application process. You don’t have to give them if you have submitted them within the last ten years and if they are still valid.
- Medical or criminal background check
Submit a medical report and your criminal background check to prove you are no threat to Canadian society.
- Proof of payment
Pay the processing fees and provide evidence of the same with your application.
Need Help?
Many Indians who wish to move to Canada do not know how to get PR in Canada from India or where to start. That’s where Nationwide Visas comes in. Being one of the best Canada immigration consultants in India, they have exhaustive knowledge of the Canadian immigration and will assist you with best solutions as per your situation.
Start your process today!
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