Spousal Open Work Permit
Spousal and partner open work permit eligibility for students and workers in Canada, current eligibility narrowing, and spousal sponsorship open work permits.
A spousal open work permit allows the spouse or common-law partner of an eligible student or worker to work for most employers in Canada. Current rules restrict eligibility to certain study programs and certain worker TEER levels rather than covering all students and workers as before — verify your specific situation with IRCC. A separate spousal open work permit is also available to some applicants sponsored for permanent residence while their application is processed.
Key facts
| Eligible sponsors | Certain study permit holders and certain skilled workers — scope has narrowed |
|---|---|
| PR sponsorship route | Some sponsored spouses/partners may qualify for an open work permit while awaiting PR |
| Eligibility basis | Depends on the principal applicant's program level, field, or occupation TEER |
| Status | Current rules restrict eligibility; verify with IRCC before applying |
| Work type | Open — most employers, no LMIA or job offer needed |
| Principal applicant | What decides eligibility | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| International student | The level and type of study programme under the current IRCC measure | IRCC open work permit for spouses of students |
| Temporary foreign worker | The TEER level or occupation of their job, and the remaining validity of their permit, under the current measure | IRCC open work permit for spouses of workers |
| Canadian citizen or PR sponsoring you | An eligible spousal sponsorship application in progress and your status in Canada | IRCC spousal sponsorship open work permit |
These rules have narrowed and are reviewed often, so this table shows what to check, not who qualifies. Always read IRCC's current page before applying.
Who may qualify?
- Spouses or common-law partners of study permit holders in certain eligible programs
- Spouses or common-law partners of workers in certain eligible occupations or TEER levels
- Spouses or partners with a sponsorship application in progress, in defined circumstances
- Applicants who can document the genuine spousal or common-law relationship
Eligibility requirements
- Proof of the spousal or common-law relationship
- Confirmation that the principal applicant's study program or occupation currently qualifies
- Valid status of the principal applicant in Canada
- For sponsorship-based permits, an eligible sponsorship application on file
How it works: step by step
- 1
Check current eligibility carefully
Confirm whether your spouse's program or occupation still qualifies, since the rules have narrowed.
- 2
Gather relationship evidence
Prepare documents proving a genuine spousal or common-law relationship.
- 3
Apply alongside or after the principal applicant
Time your application to align with your spouse's permit or study status.
- 4
Track validity
Match your open work permit's validity to your spouse's underlying permit or your PR application timeline.
Expert insight
Eligibility depends on the principal applicant's exact permit, occupation or programme and the current IRCC measure, so we check the principal applicant's exact program or NOC code against IRCC's current criteria before advising a spouse to plan around this permit.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.