To get an open work permit while waiting for Inland spousal sponsorship in 2026, you must first submit your permanent residence application and wait for the official Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). Once you have the AOR, you apply online using LMIA exemption code A74. The total government fee for the permit is $255.
Understanding the Spousal Open Work Permit
Starting a new chapter of your life in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is exciting, but waiting months for permanent residence without being able to earn an income can be incredibly stressful 💰. Fortunately, the Canadian government offers a solution for couples navigating the Inland spousal sponsorship process. You can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), which gives the sponsored partner the legal right to work for almost any employer in Canada while their PR application is being processed.
In the past, couples could submit their work permit application at the exact same time as their PR application, but the rules have changed significantly for 2026 📁. Today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to wait for proof that your sponsorship application is complete before you ask for the work permit. Understanding exactly when and how to file this secondary application is crucial to ensure you do not lose your legal status in Canada.
Step-by-Step Process in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Step 1: Submitting the Inland PR Application
The first step has nothing to do with the work permit itself; you must securely submit your complete Inland spousal sponsorship application through the Permanent Residence Portal 💻. Generally, you need to ensure every form, such as the IMM 1344 and IMM 0008, is perfectly filled out and all evidence of your relationship is uploaded. If your application is incomplete, it will be returned to you months later, which will severely delay your ability to get a work permit.
Step 2: Waiting for the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
Once submitted, you must patiently wait for IRCC to send you the Acknowledgment of Receipt, commonly known as the AOR 📧. This official email confirms that your PR application passed the initial completeness check and is now in the processing queue. As of early 2026, receiving the AOR typically takes between 2 to 4 months. During this waiting period, the sponsored spouse must maintain their valid legal status in Canada, usually as a visitor, worker, or student.
Step 3: Maintaining Legal Status in Canada
If your visitor visa or current status is about to expire before the AOR arrives, you cannot just wait and do nothing ⚠️. You are legally required to apply for an extension to keep your temporary resident status valid. Most applicants choose to apply online for a standard visitor record extension. By applying before your current status expires, you benefit from “maintained status,” which allows you to legally remain in Winnipeg until IRCC makes a decision on the extension.
Step 4: Applying for the Open Work Permit (Code A74)
As soon as the AOR email hits your inbox, you can finally log into your IRCC Secure Account (using your GCKey) and apply for the Spousal Open Work Permit 📁. You will use the specific LMIA Exemption Code A74, which is designated for family class sponsorships. You will need to upload a copy of the AOR letter, your digital forms, and a clear copy of your passport to prove your identity and current status in Canada.
Step 5: Providing Biometrics in Person
If you have not provided fingerprints to the Canadian government in the last 10 years, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter 🆔. You must take this letter and your original passport to a designated Service Canada location to have your fingerprints scanned. If you live in the capital of Manitoba, you can easily book an appointment at the Winnipeg Service Canada Centre located at 433 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1B3.
Comparing the Old Process vs. 2026 Rules
For those who may have researched immigration laws a few years ago, the process has changed dramatically 🤔. Understanding these differences is critical to avoiding application errors and unnecessary delays.
| Feature | Previous Rules (Before 2024) | Current Rules (March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Timing | Submitted at the exact same time as the PR file | Must wait for the AOR before applying |
| Application Method | Often sent in the same physical or digital package | Submitted separately via the IRCC Secure Account |
| Eligibility | Only Inland applicants | Both Inland and Outland applicants physically in Canada |
How Much Does it Cost?
Budgeting accurately for the spousal open work permit is important, as the government fees must be paid online when you submit the secondary application 💳.
- Work Permit Processing Fee: $155.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 (This is a mandatory extra fee for open permits).
- Total Work Permit Application Cost: $255.
- Biometrics Fee: $85 (Only required if your fingerprints are not already on file).
- Visitor Record Extension: $100 (Only if you need to extend your visitor status while waiting for the AOR).
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for securing a SOWP requires patience, as the process is split into two distinct waiting periods ⏳. As of March 2026, here is what you can expect:
- Waiting for the AOR: Generally takes 2 to 4 months after you submit the initial PR application.
- Work Permit Processing: Once the SOWP application is submitted, IRCC processing times inside Canada currently average around 8 to 9 months (approx. 259 days).
- Overall Timeline: Realistically, it may take nearly a year from the day you submit your sponsorship until the day you receive the physical work permit in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work while waiting for the SOWP to be approved?
No, simply applying for the spousal open work permit does not give you the right to start working. You must wait until the work permit is officially approved and you receive the physical document in the mail before you can begin your first day of work in Canada.
Can Outland applicants get this work permit?
Yes, under current IRCC policies in 2026, if you applied for Outland spousal sponsorship but your partner is currently visiting you physically inside Canada with valid temporary status, they can also apply for this open work permit after receiving the AOR.
Do I need an LMIA for this work permit?
No, a Spousal Open Work Permit is strictly LMIA-exempt. You do not need a job offer from a Canadian employer, and employers do not need to prove they advertised the job to Canadians. You will use LMIA exemption code A74 on your application.
What happens if my PR application is refused?
Because the open work permit is directly tied to the spousal sponsorship application, if your permanent residence application is refused or returned for being incomplete, your work permit application will also be cancelled or refused.
Can I travel outside of Canada while waiting?
For Inland sponsorship, it is highly recommended that you remain inside Canada. If you leave the country, you risk being denied re-entry at the border. If you cannot re-enter Canada, your Inland sponsorship application and the associated work permit application will be abandoned.
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