Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) — spouse of skilled worker / student

R205(c)(ii) of IRPR + administrative SOWP policy allow open work permits for:
  (a) Spouses/common-law partners of TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 work permit holders (post-2024 reform: only TEER 0/1 for newly-issued; TEER 2/3 if grandfathered)
  (b) Spouses/common-law partners of Master's, PhD, or eligible professional-program study permit holders (post-2024 reform: tightened; partners of undergraduate students NOT eligible)

NOTE: SOWP rules were significantly reformed in March 2024 + November 2024. Verify current eligibility against the IRCC Operational Bulletin in effect.

Draft a 400-500 word SOWP cover letter for [CLIENT_NAME], [RELATIONSHIP_TYPE] partner of [PRINCIPAL_APPLICANT_NAME] who holds a [PRINCIPAL_PERMIT_TYPE].

§1 — OPENING (40-60 words)
"I respectfully apply for an open work permit pursuant to IRPR R205(c)(ii) as the [RELATIONSHIP_TYPE] partner of [PRINCIPAL_APPLICANT_NAME], who is currently in Canada on a [PRINCIPAL_PERMIT_TYPE]."

§2 — ELIGIBILITY UNDER 2024 REFORM (120-150 words)
Address each requirement post-November 2024:

If principal is a worker:
  • Principal must hold a TEER 0 or TEER 1 work permit (post-March 2024)
  • Principal's permit must be valid for at least 16 months from SOWP application date
  • SOWP duration mirrors principal's WP expiry

If principal is a student:
  • Principal must be in a Master's-or-higher degree program (post-November 2024)
  • Program must be a minimum of 16 months
  • Undergraduate / college diploma / certificate study permit holders NO LONGER trigger SOWP eligibility (with grandfathering for pre-November 2024 applications)
  • SOWP duration mirrors study permit expiry

For grandfathered cases (applied before reform dates), maintain the prior eligibility framework — specifically address grandfathering in the cover letter.

§3 — RELATIONSHIP PROOF (80-100 words)
  • [RELATIONSHIP_TYPE] since [MARRIAGE_DATE]
  • If married: marriage certificate (with translation if not English/French)
  • If common-law: 12 months continuous cohabitation evidence:
    - Shared lease / mortgage / property
    - Joint bank accounts / utility bills
    - Joint insurance policies
    - Photographs across the 12+ months
    - Statutory declarations of common-law union (IMM 5409)
    - Letters from family / friends witnessing the relationship
  • If conjugal: more complex; address separately

§4 — PRINCIPAL'S STATUS (60-80 words)
  • Principal: [PRINCIPAL_APPLICANT_NAME]
  • Permit type + expiry
  • Annex confirmation: copy of principal's current permit + supporting docs
  • If principal applied for renewal — provide pending application receipt

§5 — SOWP DURATION REQUESTED (40-60 words)
SOWP duration matches the principal's permit validity. Request: "until [PRINCIPAL_PERMIT_EXPIRY] or to the maximum allowed under applicable IRCC SOWP policy."

§6 — DEPENDANTS (40-60 words, optional)
If accompanying children:
  • Open study permit (under 18, public school)
  • If 18+: separate study permit / work permit applications required
  • Address child's plans separately

ANNEXES
  • Annex A: Relationship evidence (marriage / common-law)
  • Annex B: Principal's current work / study permit
  • Annex C: Principal's offer letter (if work) or LOA (if study)
  • Annex D: Joint financial / residential evidence
  • Annex E: Spouse's passport bio page
  • Annex F: Spouse's resume + employment history
  • Annex G: Application form IMM 5710
  • Annex H: Fee receipt (CAD 255)

End with: "DRAFT SOWP COVER LETTER — for RCIC review. SOWP eligibility was substantially restricted by IRCC reforms in March + November 2024. Verify current eligibility against the operational bulletin in effect at application time."