Can You Work While Waiting for Spousal Sponsorship Approval in Canada? — Complete 2026 Guide by New Jain Immigration

 

One of the most important questions you may have is if you can work while awaiting approval of your spouse’s sponsorship to become a permanent resident of Canada. The good news is that many people who apply for spousal sponsorship are able to work lawfully in Canada while they await permanent residence.

We’ll go over who is eligible, how to apply for a work permit, and what to do whether you applied inland or outland in this post.

While awaiting spousal sponsorship, is it possible to work?
Yes, as of 2025, you can apply for an open work permit while awaiting permanent residency provided you are physically in Canada and your spouse is sponsoring you. This is true whether your sponsorship application is inland or outland.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) revised regulations, which seek to maintain family unity and lessen financial hardship, are responsible for this.

Recognising the Types of Spousal Sponsorship
Knowing the kind of sponsorship you’ve applied for will assist you comprehend your employment options:

Inland Sponsorship: Both you and your spouse (the sponsor) reside in Canada. Without leaving the nation, you are submitting an application for permanent residence.

Outland Sponsorship: You choose this path even if you are in Canada, or you applied for sponsorship while outside of it (usually for speedier processing or travel flexibility).

 New for 2025–2026: If an applicant is in Canada with a valid temporary status, they can now apply for an open work visa, even if they are from outside the country.

A Spousal Open Work Permit: What Is It?
You can work in practically any job in Canada for any employer if you have a spousal open work permit (OWP). To apply, you do not require a job offer.

• Sponsored spouses benefit most from this kind of permit because:
• As soon as the permit is granted, you can begin working.
• You are not bound by a single employer or job.
• While awaiting permanent residency, it lessens financial strain.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Spousal Open Work Permit?
Applicants for inland and outland spousal sponsorship may apply for an open work visa as of 2025 if they are in Canada and satisfy the following requirements:

• You filled out an application for sponsorship (inland or outland).
  In reality, you are in Canada.
  You apply for the open work permit with your sponsorship application or after obtaining your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and you hold a valid temporary status (visitor, student, or worker).
• Procedures for Applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit
  While awaiting spousal sponsorship, follow these steps to apply for an open work permit:

Option 1: It is advised to apply in conjunction with spousal sponsorship.
Fill out the inland or outland application for spousal sponsorship.

• A spousal open work permit application form (IMM 5710) should be included.
• As of 2025, the open work permit charge is $255 CAD.
• Use the IRCC portal to submit both applications online at the same time.

Option 2: Apply Following Submission of Spousal Sponsorship
Await the IRCC to send you your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

• Send in the application for an open work permit separately.
• Upload your documents online after paying the necessary price.
• Wait Duration for Spousal Sponsorship Processing
  Applications for open work permits associated with spouse sponsorship take four to six months to process in 2025. Until the permit is granted, you are not permitted to work in Canada.

Spousal open work permits are sometimes granted in less than 30 days.

 

What Happens If You’re Not in Canada?
In order to apply for the open work permit if you are currently outside of Canada and have applied through outland spousal sponsorship, you must first enter the country and have a valid temporary status (such as a visitor visa).

You cannot apply for the spousal open work permit if you are not physically in Canada; instead, you must wait for your permanent residency to be granted before you may begin working there.

Is It Possible to Volunteer While Awaiting a Spousal Work Permit?
Indeed. You can volunteer while you await approval of your open work permit, provided that:

The position is unpaid.

• It is truly community-based or philanthropic.
• It cannot take the place of a paid employment.
• While you wait to start paid work, volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute and get experience.

What About Online or Freelance Work?
This is a more complicated area. In general:

You are deemed to be employed in Canada and require a current work visa if you reside there and get income from Canadian clients.

Although this is a grey area, the IRCC might not consider it employment in Canada if you work remotely for a business or clients outside of Canada AND are paid to a bank account outside of Canada.

To ensure you’re not violating any laws, when in doubt, seek legal advice from an immigration attorney.

It’s Risky to Work Without a Permit
In Canada, you should never begin working without a valid work permit. By doing this, you can:

• Put your sponsorship application at risk.
• Result in expulsion from Canada
• Lead to prohibitions on returning to the nation

Don’t risk it, even if your employer is on board. Hold off until you are permitted to work by law.
Why Getting a Spousal Open Work Permit is Beneficial
While your application is being processed, it is worthwhile to apply for the open work permit for the following reasons:

• Make money so that you can provide for your family.
• Create a resume: Acquire work experience in Canada
• Enhance mental well-being by remaining engaged and active.
• Quicker integration: Getting a job facilitates your adjustment to Canadian living.

Final Checklist Before Applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit
Ensure that you:

• Possess a valid visa, student, or employment status in Canada.
• Submitted a comprehensive application for sponsorship.
• Make use of the appropriate forms.
• Pay the entire amount ($255 CAD).
• While the application is being processed, remain in Canada.

Final Conclusion: Can You Work While Waiting for Spousal Sponsorship in Toronto, Ontario, Canada?

Yes. As of 2026, if you are physically present in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit, you can legally work while waiting for permanent residency approval.

This applies to both inland and outland sponsorship applicants who meet eligibility requirements.

Working legally during this period can significantly improve your financial stability, career prospects, and integration into Canadian life.

New Jain Immigration in Toronto, Ontario, Canada provides expert guidance to help spouses apply for sponsorship and open work permits successfully, ensuring a smooth and stress-free immigration journey.

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