Spousal Open Work Permits
Marriage to a study-permit or work-permit holder does not automatically establish open work permit eligibility. The principal applicant’s circumstances and the applicable category determine the requirements.
Spouses of international students
For new applications under the student category, the student must hold a valid study permit and study in a qualifying program: a master’s degree lasting at least 16 months, a doctoral degree, a listed professional university degree or another program designated by IRCC. Not every college or university program qualifies. Evidence of enrolment and the relationship is required. Extensions have separate criteria.
Spouses of foreign workers
For the high-skilled worker category without an eligible permanent residence pathway, the worker generally needs employment in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or a specifically eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation, and at least 16 months of remaining work authorization when IRCC receives the spouse’s application. The worker must live or plan to live in Canada while working. Separate rules apply to eligible permanent residence pathways, certain trade agreements and other exceptions. We assess the actual category rather than applying the 16-month rule to everyone.
Family sponsorship applications
Work permits associated with eligible family sponsorship applications form a separate category. A pending sponsorship application alone is not permission to work.
Support in English, Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil
Our Windsor team can review the relevant category, relationship evidence, principal applicant’s documents and your status. Discuss your circumstances with us in English, Malayalam, Hindi or Tamil. മലയാളത്തിൽ സേവനം ലഭ്യമാണ്.
Contact us for an individual assessment.
Official guidance: Spouses of students | Family members of workers.