Current timeline for Spousal Open Work Permit (Inland vs Outland) and AOR in 2026?

[MmNAmN]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to understand the current timelines for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) and I’m seeing mixed information from different consultants and online sources. My understanding is that for Outland spousal sponsorship, the applicant can enter Canada as a visitor and apply for the Spousal Open Work Permit after receiving AOR, while being physically in Canada. I’m trying to compare Inland vs Outland timelines, specifically for the work permit.

My questions:

1. Is the processing time for the Spousal Open Work Permit different for Inland vs Outland sponsorship, or is it treated the same since the work permit is applied from inside Canada?
2. What OWP timelines are people currently seeing in 2026 for spousal open work permits? (Inland vs Outland)
3. What is the current timeline for receiving AOR for Inland vs Outland spousal sponsorship applications?

I’m trying to estimate the total time from PR submission -> AOR -> OWP approval in both scenarios.

Would really appreciate hearing recent experiences from people who applied recently.

Thanks!

 

[r0a0m0k]

My situation:

• Sponsor: PR
• PA: Colombian and Spanish
• Residence: Quebec
• PR Submitted: Feb 5, 2026 (Outland)
• AOR Received: March 27, 2026
• OWP Submitted: March 31, 2026

So, it has been more than 3 months into the process of getting OWP from the time of applying for PR...I saw the average processing time of 217 days. So hopefully by Nov!

 

[MmNAmN]

My situation:

• Sponsor: PR
• PA: Colombian and Spanish
• Residence: Quebec
• PR Submitted: Feb 5, 2026 (Outland)
• AOR Received: March 27, 2026
• OWP Submitted: March 31, 2026

So, it has been more than 3 months into the process of getting OWP from the time of applying for PR...I saw the average processing time of 217 days. So hopefully by Nov!

Did you receive the AOR or was it your spouse who sponsored you?

 

[r0a0m0k]

I am sponsoring my wife. We applied via a paid representative and they got the AOR.