OpenVisaSOWP (spousal open work permit): who qualifies, and which SOWP you mean
Which spouse, which permit. Three different rules.
"Spousal open work permit" names three different permits, and which one you mean decides whether you qualify. The rules for all three have changed more than once, so IRCC's current page is the one to read the week you apply.
1. Spouse of a sponsor, inland application
If you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in-Canada class, you may qualify for an open work permit while your application for permanent residence is being processed.
You can apply at the same time as the sponsorship or after you've received acknowledgement of receipt (AOR). The conditions are living with your sponsor in Canada and holding valid temporary status. IRCC sets the permit's validity, and the end date is printed on it.
2. Spouse of a sponsor, outland application, applicant in Canada
Some applicants in the Family Class (outland) who are in Canada with valid status can also get an open work permit. IRCC's public policy sets the conditions; as of October 2026 they are on the open-work-permit page for sponsored spouses.
3. Spouse of a student or temporary worker (not sponsorship)
This is the other SOWP, and it was narrowed on January 21, 2025: spouses of students qualify only if the student is in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or a listed professional degree; spouses of workers qualify only for certain occupations and permit lengths. A 16-month master's is right on the line, so the letter of acceptance has to state the program length clearly. The current rule is on IRCC's "Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada" page under work permits.
4. What is the same in all three?
The applicant applies in their own IRCC account; it is a separate application with its own fee, even when it's submitted "with" the sponsorship. Whichever permit you hold, keeping status valid is what lets you stay and work while you wait. The inland class itself also accepts some out-of-status spouses under a 2005 public policy, described on the status page.
5. On the form
The work permit application (IMM 1295, or the online form) asks for the same address and employment dates as Schedule A (IMM 5669) and the same trips as the travel history (IMM 5562). It isn't one of the forms OpenVisa prepares, but OpenVisa shows your IMM 5669 and IMM 5562 answers for copying.
OpenVisa is software, not a lawyer or RCIC. This page explains what the rules and forms say; it is not advice about your case. You submit your application yourself.