Starting a life in Canada with a partner can bring a lot of questions—especially when one of you is still waiting on permanent residence. Can you work in the meantime? What kind of permit applies? When should you apply?

While Canada does offer pathways that allow spouses to live and work legally while waiting for a decision, the process isn’t always clear-cut. That’s where working with people who’ve handled these cases before can help keep things from going sideways. And by “these people” we of course mean, SEP Immigration.

Can You Work While Your Spousal Sponsorship Application Is in Process?

In many situations, yes.

If you’re already in Canada and your partner is sponsoring you for permanent residence, it’s often possible to apply for an open work permit. This is especially true if the sponsorship is being done from inside Canada (known as inland sponsorship).

The open work permit isn’t tied to one job or employer. It gives the holder permission to work across sectors, which can help cover living expenses and make the waiting period less uncertain.

That said, applying too early—or without the necessary documents—can result in processing delays or even refusals. There’s also the matter of maintaining a valid status while waiting. These small details often make the biggest difference.

Types of Work Permits for Spouses in Canada

The term “spousal work permit” gets thrown around a lot, but there are actually a few different types worth knowing:

  • Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): This is the most common option for sponsored spouses and common-law partners. It’s also available in some cases to spouses of foreign workers and students.
  • Employer-Specific Work Permit: Only allows work with a named employer. Less flexible and not widely used in sponsorship situations.
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): For applicants who’ve already applied for permanent residence and want to keep working while they wait.

Each one has its own requirements. What works for one person may not apply to someone else. It depends on status, timing, and which applications are already in motion. Immigration consultants familiar with spousal sponsorship cases—such as those at SEP Immigration—often help clients choose the option that best fits their circumstances.

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A bridging open work permit lets someone in Canada stay employed while they wait for their permanent residence decision.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

  • Already have a valid work permit
  • Have submitted a PR application through an eligible stream (e.g., Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program)
  • Have received confirmation that their application has been received (AOR)

BOWPs aren’t used as often in standard spousal sponsorships, but they can be relevant when the spouse is already working in Canada under another permit. Coordinating timelines can help prevent any gaps in employment or status, and that’s often where professional guidance proves useful.

How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit

Here’s a general breakdown of how the process works:

  1. Submit the sponsorship application.
  2. Wait for the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC.
  3. File the spousal open work permit application after the AOR is issued.
  4. Remain in Canada with a valid status while the application is being processed.

It sounds manageable, but real-life cases can get messy. Sometimes people submit work permit applications too early, or don’t realize they need to extend their temporary status while waiting. Other times, the issue is incomplete documentation. Even small errors can lead to major setbacks.

People going through this process often turn to immigration professionals when they run into roadblocks—missed timelines, unclear eligibility, or rejections that don’t make sense on the surface. Firms that handle these cases regularly can usually spot the weak spots early and suggest better routes forward.

Talk to a Canadian Immigration Expert Today

Not everyone applying for spousal sponsorship is doing it from outside the country. In fact, a large number are already living in Canada—on visitor records, study permits, or temporary work permits. They’re working, raising families, and contributing to their communities. But their long-term status is still in limbo.

That uncertainty tends to raise questions about work authorization, legal status, and how soon a partner can be approved.

SEP Immigration, a consulting firm based in Toronto, often works with people in these situations. They’ve seen cases at every stage—from first-time applicants who want to get it right from the start, to couples who submitted on their own and need help fixing issues after the fact. In many of those cases, it’s about finding a way to connect spousal sponsorship with the right type of work permit—whether that’s an open permit or a bridging open work permit, depending on the situation.

They also spend a lot of time helping people figure out what IRCC is actually asking for. Between forms, status extensions, and document lists, the process can feel fragmented. Having someone to explain what’s missing—or what’s no longer needed—can be useful, especially for people who’ve been handling it on their own.

Making Immigration to Canada Less Stressful for Couples

There’s already enough on the table when a couple is trying to settle in a new country. Worrying about work authorization, status expiry, or long processing times just adds another layer of pressure.

A well-timed work permit application can go a long way in reducing that pressure. But only if it fits the situation.

That’s why many people choose to speak with consultants who’ve handled these issues before. It’s not about guarantees—it’s about knowing what steps make sense, what the rules actually say, and what paperwork has the best chance of moving forward without delays.

For couples working through the spousal sponsorship process, especially those already in Canada, it’s worth checking if a bridging open work permit or open spousal permit applies. It might be what keeps one partner working, contributing, and staying secure while the permanent residency process runs its course.