Eligibility For A Spousal Open Work Permit For Foreign Workers' Spouses In Canada

Bài viết này giúp giải thích rõ ràng các trường hợp vợ hoặc chồng của lao động nước ngoài (foreign worker) tại Canada có thể xin Spousal Open Work Permit – SOWP. Đây là loại giấy phép lao động cho phép người sở hữu được làm việc cho bất kỳ nhà tuyển dụng hợp pháp nào tại Canada.

1. Concepts & Terms You Need to Know

• Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): An open work permit for the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker.
• Common-law partner: A couple who have lived together in a marital relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
• TEER (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities): Hệ thống phân loại trình độ nghề nghiệp của Canada.
  • TEER 0: Senior management jobs
  • TEER 1: Occupations requiring a college degree
  • TEER 2 & 3: Intermediate Skills
  • TEER 4 & 5: Basic Skills
• Eligible PR Pathway: Các chương trình định cư thường trú nhân hợp lệ như PNP, AIP, CEC, FSWP, FSTP, RNIP, SUV, Agri-Food Pilot, v.v.

2. General Conditions for Applicants

The spouse or partner needs to:

• Có tình trạng cư trú tạm thời hợp lệ (temporary resident status) hoặc đủ điều kiện khôi phục tình trạng.
• Proof that you will leave Canada when your permit expires.
• Have sufficient funds to cover living expenses and return ticket.
• No criminal record, no threat to Canadian security.
• Meet medical examination requirements (if required).
• Do not work for an employer that violates the law or is in a prohibited industry (e.g., sensitive services).

The foreign worker (main permit holder) must:

• Have a valid work permit or work authorization.
• Currently living or planning to live and work in Canada.

3. Specific Cases Granted SOWP

Scenario 1: The Worker's Spouse Has Filed a PR Application

Eligibility:

• Workers have a valid work permit with at least 6 months remaining.
• Have applied for permanent residence under valid PR programs (PNP, AIP, CEC, FSWP, FSTP, SUV, etc.).
• Currently living or planning to live in Canada.

Note: Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) and Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) không nằm trong diện này.

Scenario 2: Spouses of Low-Skilled Workers (TEER 4–5) Are on the Road to PR

Eligibility:

• Người lao động có work permit hoặc giấy cho phép làm việc tối thiểu 6 tháng.
• On the way to PR through a valid program but have not yet submitted PR application.

Agri-Food Pilot Case:
Cần có work permit dựa trên LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) thuộc luồng nông nghiệp hoặc lương thấp và đã nhận AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) xác nhận hồ sơ PR hoàn chỉnh.

Scenario 3: Spouse of a Skilled Worker (TEER 0–1)

Eligibility:

• Workers have or are approved for a work permit.
• Work permit valid for at least 16 months at the time of application.

Scenario 4: Spouse of a Mid-Skilled Worker (TEER 2–3)

Eligibility:

• Workers working in occupations listed in TEER 2–3 are eligible.
• Have or be approved for a work permit, valid for at least 16 months.

In the case of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Vợ/chồng của người lao động được cấp phép theo các FTA như CETA, CPTPP, CUKTCA, CCOFTA, CKFTA, CUFTA có thể xin SOWP tùy điều khoản từng hiệp định.

4. Ineligible Subjects

• Workers seeking asylum or facing deportation orders.
• International students in co-op programs or working off-campus without a work permit.
• Person holding a spousal open work permit.

5. Conclusion

Applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit depends on the primary permit holder’s employment status and their immigration path. Preparing a complete application and demonstrating a valid marriage or common-law relationship will increase the chances of approval.