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A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of certain temporary residents in Canada—such as international students and skilled foreign workers—to work for any employer without needing a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This permit provides greater flexibility for families to live and work together in Canada while supporting the local economy. However, as of January 21, 2025, new restrictions have significantly narrowed eligibility, making it crucial to understand the updated requirements before applying.
If you would like the full list of eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations, please contact us to receive your copy.
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Here’s What Our Clients Say:
Best experience with Vivy
我是一个60+的中国老人，从2014年起多次往返中加两国，从第一次到加拿大探亲我都没怎么操心，都是Vivy一手操办。尤其是疫情期间，我2019年带孙子回中国被隔在了国内一隔就隔了三年，等21年能加拿大了，旅行证又过期了要补办，且孙子的父母不在国内，还有国人给我们祖孙办事的冷漠傲慢和毫无同情心的那种表情，非常折磨人。这期间的波折无法给人描述了，都是Vivy一步一步教，给我们办的……我现在想起来都忍不住又哭了一次，通过几个月无数次不分时差的沟通才又把旅行证给办好，我和孙子才又能顺利回到加拿大。如果能给一千颗星一万颗星我都愿意给她。
我从没碰到过这么有耐心有经验关键是有同情心的好人，为Vivy点赞👍👍！
The best agent!
We are incredibly grateful for all the support Vivy has given us throughout our immigration journey. Our situation was extremely complex, and every lawyer and agent we consulted told us that our only options were either returning to our home country and aplying from there or going through a difficult trial.
Thanks to Vivy’s deep knowledge and professionalism, neither of those paths were necessary. She guided us with confidence and expertise, and as a result, both my husband and I were able to recover our immigration status.
Since then we’ve been hiring her services for any kind of inmigration process. Today, we’re glad to say that my husband is working in a job related to his career, and we are now working with Vivy on our Permanent Residency process.
If you need an immigration advisor who truly cares and will find the best solutions for your case, don’t hesitate to work with her! 🙂
Memorable Experience
I had my consultation with Vivvy. She is very professional, knowledgeable and articulate, she reviews your file and takes it on as her own, she walks with you through your application and is available to respond to any questions you may have. Choosing to work with Ridgeway consultation and having Vivvy walk with me through this uncertain journey has turned my PR experience into an exciting one . I am glad that she was with me till the finish line.
I highly recommend her services to anyone looking into Canada immigration.
Vivy’s professionalism and dedication ensured a smooth immigration process. Highly recommend her expert guidance!
I had the pleasure of working with Vivy on my immigration process, and I couldn’t have asked for a better consultant. She was professional, knowledgeable, and always went the extra mile to ensure everything was handled smoothly. Her dedication and attention to detail made a huge difference, and I truly appreciate her support throughout the entire process.
If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about your case and will guide you with expertise and integrity, I highly recommend Vivy.
Who Can Apply for SOWP ?
As of January 21, 2025, eligibility for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) has become more restrictive. Only spouses of international students enrolled in eligible programs (such as Master’s, PhD, or select professional programs) and spouses of high-skilled foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 or 3 occupations can apply. Spouses of low-skilled workers (TEER 4 or 5) and most undergraduate students are no longer eligible. Additionally, the principal applicant’s permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of application.
BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream
Skills Immigration: Ideal for workers and recent graduates who have the skills, experience, and qualifications sought by B.C. employers. Skills Immigration includes five streams, four of which offer an Express Entry BC option for faster processing.
- Eligibility: Criteria vary by stream, including job offer requirements, language proficiency, and relevant experience.
- Process and Priorities: Designed to support regional economic needs, including the healthcare, childcare, veterinary, construction, and technology sectors.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) is a way for international entrepreneurs wishing to immigrate to British Columbia (B.C.) to set up businesses that support innovation and economic growth in the province.
Entrepreneur Immigration is a temporary to permanent immigration pathway. That means that if you are approved, you will initially come to B.C. as a temporary resident, and then apply to stay permanently once you have successfully started a business.
Streams for entrepreneurs
- Base stream
- Regional stream
- Strategic Projects
The official website page provides a detailed explanation of each program, including eligibility, requirements, process, fees, etc.
https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/entrepreneur-immigration
What you need to know about Spousal Open Work Permit - SOWP
Why are the SOWP eligibility rules changing?
- Reducing the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada
- Prioritizing workers in high-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, construction, natural resources)
- Reducing administrative burdens on immigration services
- Ensuring that family members contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Who is affected by the new SOWP eligibility rules?
Almost everyone. The new restrictions impact:
- Low-skilled foreign workers.
- Many high-skilled foreign workers.
- International students who want to bring their spouses to Canada.
Which international students' spouses can apply for a SOWP?
Only spouses of students enrolled in specific programs are eligible:
- Master’s programs (16 months or longer)
- Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Select professional programs (e.g., medicine, nursing, law, engineering)
Spouses of students in shorter or non-professional bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, or certificate programs will no longer qualify.
Which foreign workers' spouses are eligible under the new rules?
Spouses of foreign workers can apply for a SOWP only if the worker is employed in:
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations (e.g., executives, professionals, senior managers)
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages (contact us for the eligible occupations list)
Additionally, the principal worker must have at least 16 months of permit validity at the time of the spouse’s SOWP application.
Spouses of workers in TEER 4 or 5 roles (e.g., retail, food service) will no longer be eligible.
Who is exempt from the new SOWP rules?
The following groups remain eligible for a SOWP:
- Spouses of workers under free-trade agreements, such as the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCOFTA) and Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA)
- Individuals transitioning to permanent residence, including foreign workers or students currently in the PR process.
Are children eligible for open work permits under the new rules?
No. As of January 21, 2025, dependent children (and their dependents) are no longer eligible for open work permits under this measure.
Can family members in Canada apply for work permit extensions?
Yes, under specific conditions. They can apply to extend their work permit after January 21, 2025, if:
- They are already in Canada.
- Their current work permit is valid for a shorter duration than the principal applicant’s permit.
- They apply before their initial work permit expires.
However, IRCC will not issue a permit beyond:
- The expiry date of the principal applicant’s work permit.
- The expiry date of the family member’s passport or biometric validity.
Can you provide an example of a work permit extension scenario?
Yes. Suppose:
- The principal applicant’s work permit is valid until March 2027.
- The family member’s work permit expires earlier in March 2026 due to their passport’s expiration date.
In this case, the family member must:
- Renew their passport.
- Apply to extend their work permit after renewing their passport.
Where can I find the official IRCC announcement?
You can read the full details on IRCC’s website:
IRCC Official Announcement
Strategic initiatives
The BC PNP supports the Province’s broader strategic goals. To support those goals while also maintaining program integrity and supporting nominees for success, the program may use various tools to select and prioritize applicants. For example, the BC PNP may issue targeted invitations to apply for select occupations.
Supporting regional communities
Communities in regions outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District face unique economic development challenges. B.C. wants to make sure that all regions of the province benefit from economic growth.
The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot helps participating regional communities. It creates a role for them to attract entrepreneurs who will establish businesses to support their local economic development priorities.
Skills Immigration helps regional employers retain workers who have experience working or studying in smaller communities outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Please go to the Entrepreneur Immigration or the Skills Immigration page to find the stream that best fits your situation.
Supporting the healthcare, childcare, and veterinary care sectors
B.C. has a critical need in key sectors of the care economy, specifically healthcare, childcare and veterinary care.
Find out which occupations are prioritized to support B.C.’s care economy.
B.C. has also made it easier for public health authorities to recruit and retain needed staff to deliver healthcare to British Columbians.
Workers who are direct employees of a provincial health authority do not need to register and can apply directly to the Health Authority stream. Physicians, nurse practitioners and midwives may also qualify. For eligibility criteria, please see the Health Authority stream.
Supporting the construction sector
Housing is a top priority for B.C. To support the skilled construction workforce that is needed to meet B.C.’s residential housing demand, certified workers in select construction occupations are prioritized.
Find out which occupations are prioritized to support B.C.’s construction sector.
Supporting the technology sector
The BC PNP provides B.C.’s technology sector the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent in tech occupations when local skilled workers are unavailable.
BC PNP Tech has supported more than 6,000 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residence since its launch in May 2017.
Find out which occupations are prioritized to support B.C.’s technology sector.
Strategic initiatives
The BC PNP supports the Province’s broader strategic goals. To support those goals while also maintaining program integrity and supporting nominees for success, the program may use various tools to select and prioritize applicants. For example, the BC PNP may issue targeted invitations to apply for select occupations.
Supporting regional communities
Communities in regions outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District face unique economic development challenges. B.C. wants to make sure that all regions of the province benefit from economic growth.
The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot helps participating regional communities. It creates a role for them to attract entrepreneurs who will establish businesses to support their local economic development priorities.
Skills Immigration helps regional employers retain workers who have experience working or studying in smaller communities outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Please go to the Entrepreneur Immigration or the Skills Immigration page to find the stream that best fits your situation.
Supporting the healthcare, childcare, and veterinary care sectors
B.C. has a critical need in key sectors of the care economy, specifically healthcare, childcare and veterinary care.
Find out which occupations are prioritized to support B.C.’s care economy.
B.C. has also made it easier for public health authorities to recruit and retain needed staff to deliver healthcare to British Columbians.
Workers who are direct employees of a provincial health authority do not need to register and can apply directly to the Health Authority stream. Physicians, nurse practitioners and midwives may also qualify. For eligibility criteria, please see the Health Authority stream.
Supporting the construction sector
Housing is a top priority for B.C. To support the skilled construction workforce that is needed to meet B.C.’s residential housing demand, certified workers in select construction occupations are prioritized.
Find out which occupations are prioritized to support B.C.’s construction sector.
Supporting the technology sector
The BC PNP provides B.C.’s technology sector the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent in tech occupations when local skilled workers are unavailable.
BC PNP Tech has supported more than 6,000 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residence since its launch in May 2017.
Find out which occupations are prioritized to support B.C.’s technology sector.
Processing times
Processing times show how long it may take to make a decision on a SOWP application, post-nomination request or request for review. If your nomination or request is time sensitive, you should make your submission well in advance of the times listed below.
Processing times are based on the date we receive your complete application. About 80 per cent of cases will be processed within these time frames. Some cases are more complex and can take more time. These time frames are subject to change without notice, according to volume of cases and the program’s processing capacity.
Fees will only be refunded if you withdraw your application before the IRCC begins to assess it. Request for review fees are non-refundable. Please see the fees section for more information.
Case Studies
Case study 1
BCPNP-Health Authority Stream (Regular)
Santiago, a Colombian citizen, came to Canada in 2023 under the Canada-Colombia FTA and began working as a kitchen helper for a public health authority in B.C. While enjoying his time in Canada, he developed a strong social network and started considering ways to settle in the province he now calls home. One of his colleagues mentioned the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), which piqued his interest. However, Santiago is unsure about this pathway since his hourly pay isn’t particularly high, he works in a TEER 4 occupation that doesn’t qualify under Express Entry, and his score is around 87, with a language proficiency of CLB 5.
After our phone discussion, we promptly scheduled an initial consultation to explore Santiago’s options. Since he is employed with Interior Health, one of B.C.’s public health authorities, he is eligible to apply directly through the BCPNP Health Authority Stream, which doesn’t require a points-based system. Santiago only needs to meet the basic requirements for skilled workers under BCPNP and provide supporting documents from his current employer.
To assist Santiago, we’ve created a detailed document checklist and guided him through necessary steps, including obtaining his educational credential assessment, taking a language proficiency test, and setting up a meeting with his employer. Santiago feels confident about the process, and once all required documents are ready, he plans to register under the BCPNP non-EE stream, aiming for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by the end of 2024.
Case study 2
EEBCPNP-Skilled Worker Stream
Ming Xiong, a Chinese citizen, completed her Master’s degree in China and began her first role as a biologist in a Vancouver-based company in July 2023. Her employer highly values her dedication and is eager to support her stay in Canada. Together, they’re exploring the best options to help her obtain permanent residency.
After our initial consultation, we outlined two clear pathways for Ming:
- Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class: Ming qualifies for this stream, having accumulated a year of TEER 2 work experience in Canada. With an IELTS score of 9, a high level of education, and her age providing an almost maximum CRS score, her profile is strong.
- EEBC PNP – Skilled Worker Stream: Ming also qualifies here and may consider negotiating with her employer to pursue a priority occupation, such as a healthcare-related role if possible. Alternatively, she could continue her employment for another year, as she is only four points below the latest BCPNP draw threshold. She could also boost her profile by learning French or exploring relocation to another branch to earn additional regional points.
Both Ming and her employer now have a clear understanding of the steps required and are confidently preparing the necessary documentation.
Testimonials
