Can My Spouse Work in Canada While Their Sponsorship Is Processing?
Often, yes. If your spouse or common-law partner is living with you in Canada and you've sponsored them for permanent residence, they can usually apply for an open work permit once they receive the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) for their PR application. They need valid temporary status (or maintained status). If their current permit expires within two weeks, they may be able to apply before the AOR arrives.
Who qualifies?
- A spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner who is living in Canada and being sponsored for permanent residence.
- In a genuine relationship with the sponsor, and living with them in Canada.
- Has an acknowledgement of receipt for their own PR application (the application number starts with F).
- Has valid temporary status: a visitor record, work permit, study permit or temporary resident permit, or maintained status, or is eligible for restoration.
Accompanying dependent children of the sponsored partner can also qualify if they live with the principal applicant and the sponsor, subject to provincial minimum working ages.
When can they apply?
| Situation | When to apply |
|---|---|
| Has the AOR | Apply online through the IRCC account |
| No AOR yet, but current permit or status expires in 2 weeks or less | May apply now, if the PR application is under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class or the family class as a spouse or partner |
| Out of status, under the spousal public policy | Wait for approval in principle, then apply on paper with an explanation |
Who isn't eligible?
- Anyone whose PR application was refused, withdrawn or returned.
- Anyone planning to apply at a port of entry (the border).
Can the permit be extended?
Yes. If the PR application is still being processed, the open work permit can be extended for up to 2 more years.
What if my spouse lives outside Canada?
This open work permit is only for partners living in Canada. If your partner lives abroad, they generally wait for the PR decision before working in Canada, unless they qualify for another work permit. The choice between applying from inside or outside Canada matters in other ways too; see How do I sponsor my spouse or common-law partner to Canada?
Step by step
- Submit the sponsorship and PR application online.
- Keep your partner in status while waiting. Extend before expiry if needed.
- Watch for the AOR in the IRCC account.
- Apply for the open work permit online, with proof of status.
- Get a SIN once the permit is approved, then start work.
Common mistakes we see
- Letting status lapse while waiting for the AOR. Extend visitor or other status in time.
- Starting work before the permit is approved. Applying doesn't authorize work unless they're already on maintained status from a previous work permit.
- Trying to get the permit at the border. This permit can't be issued at a port of entry.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work while I sponsor them from inside Canada?
Usually, yes. Once they get the acknowledgement of receipt for their PR application and have valid status, they can apply for an open work permit.
Does my spouse need to wait for the AOR?
Generally yes. The exception: if their current permit or status expires in 2 weeks or less, they may apply before the AOR, depending on the PR class.
Can my spouse get this work permit if they live outside Canada?
No. This open work permit is for sponsored partners living in Canada with the sponsor.
Can the spousal open work permit be extended?
Yes, for up to 2 more years if the PR application is still being processed.
Can my spouse apply for the permit at the airport or border?
No. You can't apply for this permit at a port of entry.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's Sponsor your spouse, partner or child: Optional: Open work permit in Canada page (modified April 17, 2026) and Guide IMM 5289. Verified November 3, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca