Can I Work While Waiting for Spousal Sponsorship Approval?

If you're being sponsored by your spouse to become a permanent resident of Canada, a big question on your mind might be: Can I work while waiting for spousal sponsorship approval? The good news is—yes, many spousal sponsorship applicants can legally work in Canada while waiting for their permanent residency.

In this post, we’ll explain who qualifies, how to apply for a work permit, and what steps to follow—whether you applied inland or outland.

Can You Work While Waiting for Spousal Sponsorship?

As of 2025, yes—if you are being sponsored by your spouse and you are physically in Canada, you can apply for an open work permit while waiting for permanent residency, regardless of whether your sponsorship application is inland or outland.

This is thanks to updated rules from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that aim to keep families together and reduce financial hardship.

Understanding the Spousal Sponsorship Types

To understand your work options, it helps to know which type of sponsorship you’ve applied for:

• Inland Sponsorship: You are in Canada, and your spouse (the sponsor) is also in Canada. You’re applying for permanent residency without leaving the country.
  
  
• Outland Sponsorship: You applied for sponsorship while outside Canada or chose this route even though you’re in Canada (often for faster processing or travel flexibility).
  
  

💡 New for 2024–2025: Even outland applicants can now apply for an open work permit if they are in Canada with valid temporary status.

What Is a Spousal Open Work Permit?

A spousal open work permit (OWP) lets you work for any employer in Canada, in almost any type of job. You don’t need a job offer to apply.

This type of permit is especially helpful for sponsored spouses because:

• You can start working as soon as the permit is approved.
  
  
• You’re not tied to one job or employer.
  
  
• It reduces financial stress while waiting for permanent residency.
  
  

Who Can Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

As of 2025, both inland and outland spousal sponsorship applicants can apply for an open work permit if they are in Canada and meet the following conditions:

• You submitted a complete sponsorship application (inland or outland)
• You are physically in Canada
• You have valid temporary status (visitor, student, or worker)
• You apply for the open work permit either with your sponsorship application or after receiving your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

Application Steps for a Spousal Open Work Permit

Here’s how to apply for an open work permit while waiting for spousal sponsorship:

Option 1: Apply Together with Spousal Sponsorship (Recommended)

1. Complete your spousal sponsorship application (inland or outland).
   
   
2. Include a spousal open work permit application form (IMM 5710).
   
   
3. Pay the open work permit fee ($255 CAD as of 2025).
   
   

Submit both applications together online through the IRCC portal.

 

Option 2: Apply After Spousal Sponsorship Submission

1. Wait to receive your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC.
   
   
2. Submit the open work permit application separately.
   
   
3. Pay the required fee and upload your documents online.
   
   

Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time

In 2025, open work permits linked to spousal sponsorship applications take about 4 to 6 months to process. You cannot legally work in Canada until the permit is approved.

In some circumstances, spousal open work permits are approved within 30 days. 

 

What If You Are Outside Canada?

If you’re outside Canada and have applied through outland spousal sponsorship, you must enter Canada first and have valid temporary status (such as a visitor visa) before you can apply for the open work permit.

Without being physically in Canada, you cannot apply for the spousal open work permit—you’ll have to wait until your permanent residency is approved to start working in Canada.

Can You Volunteer While You Wait for a Spousal Work Permit?

Yes. While you wait for your open work permit to be approved, you can volunteer, as long as:

• The role is unpaid
  
  
• It’s genuinely charitable or community-based
  
  
• It does not replace a paid job
  
  

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and contribute while waiting to begin paid work.

What About Freelancing or Online Work?

This area is more complex. Generally:

• If you live in Canada and earn money from Canadian clients, you are considered to be working in Canada and need a valid work permit.
  
  
• If you work remotely for a company or clients outside Canada AND are paid to a bank account located outside of Canada, IRCC may not consider it employment in Canada—but this is a gray area.
  
  

When in doubt, consult an immigration lawyer to make sure you’re not breaking any rules.

 

Working Without a Permit Is Risky

Never start a job in Canada without an approved work permit. Doing so can:

• Jeopardize your sponsorship application
  
  
• Lead to removal from Canada
  
  
• Result in bans from re-entering the country
  
  

Even if your employer is willing, don’t take the risk. Wait until you’re legally allowed to work.

 

Why Getting a Spousal Open Work Permit Helps

Here’s why it’s worth applying for the open work permit while your application is being processed:

• Earn money: You can help support your family.
• Build your resume: Gain Canadian work experience
• Improve mental health: Stay active and connected.
• Faster integration: Working helps you adapt to life in Canada.
  
  

Final Checklist Before You Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit: 

Make sure you:

• Have valid status in Canada (visitor, student, or worker)
• Submitted a complete sponsorship application
• Use the correct forms 
• Pay the full fees ($255 CAD)
• Stay in Canada while the application is processed

Conclusion

So, can you work while waiting for spousal sponsorship approval? In 2025, the answer is yes—if you’re in Canada and apply for an open work permit. This applies whether your application is inland or outland, as long as you’re physically present in Canada with valid temporary status.

Having the right to work while waiting can make a big difference in your financial situation, emotional well-being, and overall success in settling in Canada. Just be sure to follow the correct process, submit the right documents, and stay within the rules.

Need help applying for your work permit or spousal sponsorship?
👉 Book a strategy session with Sisu Legal today