Open Work Permit for Spouses of Students in Canada: Guide 2024

How to Get an Open Work Permit as the Spouse of an International Student in Canada

Canada is not only one of the top destinations for international students—it’s also a great place for their spouses or partners to build a future. If your spouse or common-law partner is studying in Canada, you may be eligible to work full-time with an open work permit (OWP). This opportunity can help you gain Canadian work experience, support your family, and explore your own career path while your partner pursues their studies.

In this post, we’ll break down who qualifies, which programs are eligible, and how to apply for a spousal open work permit in Canada.

Key Highlights

• Spouses or common-law partners of international students may qualify for an open work permit (OWP).
• The student must be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program such as a master’s, PhD, or certain professional degrees.
• Work permits are generally valid until the end of the student’s study permit.
• Additional programs in specific provinces may also qualify spouses for an OWP starting in 2024 and 2025.
• Applicants must meet medical and criminal admissibility requirements.
• OWPs are not extendable if the student is in their final semester.

What Is an Open Work Permit for Spouses?

An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer across Canada, without needing a job offer beforehand. If your spouse or common-law partner is studying full-time at an eligible Canadian school, you may be able to apply for this type of permit. It’s a fantastic option for couples who want to stay together—and thrive—while studying and working in Canada.

This permit typically remains valid as long as your partner’s study permit is active. However, it’s important to note that it cannot extend beyond the expiry of their study authorization.

Who Qualifies for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

To be eligible, your spouse or common-law partner must be an international student enrolled full-time in one of the following:

• A doctoral (PhD) program
• A master’s program that is at least 16 months long
• A qualifying professional program, such as:
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Pharmacy qualifications (PharmD, BScPharm, BPharm)
  • Bachelor of Nursing (BN, BScN, BNSc)
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
  • Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)

Additionally, you’ll need to meet general admissibility standards, including being medically and criminally admissible to enter or remain in Canada.

Married or Common-Law?

To qualify as a spouse, you must either be legally married or meet the common-law definition. In Canada, a common-law partner is someone who has lived with the student in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, with only short or temporary separations.

Additional Eligible Programs by Province

In addition to the national eligibility criteria, certain provincial programs allow spouses of students to apply for an OWP starting in 2024 or 2025. Here’s a quick look at some of them:

How to Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit

Thinking of applying? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

• Read the Government of Canada’s instruction guide to understand how to complete the application form correctly.
• Use IRCC’s online tool to generate a personalized document checklist. (Make sure to answer the questions accurately, as some technical steps can be tricky.)
• Create or log into your IRCC online account.
• Pay the application fees and submit your application electronically.

You’ll also need to show:

• Proof that your partner is enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as:
  • A valid enrolment letter from the school
  • Recent academic transcripts
• A copy of the student’s valid study permit

Can You Extend Your Spousal Work Permit?

Yes—under certain conditions. You may be able to extend your open work permit if:

• Your spouse still has a valid study permit
• They’re physically present in Canada
• They’re still enrolled full-time in a PGWP-eligible program
• They are not in their final semester of study

If your partner is approaching the end of their academic program, it’s worth exploring other options, such as their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and how that may impact your future status in Canada.

Final Thoughts

Getting an open work permit as the spouse of an international student is a great opportunity that allows you to live and work in Canada while supporting each other through your journey. With the right documentation and by meeting eligibility criteria, you can start building your life together in one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants.

Thinking of staying in Canada long-term? You may want to explore provincial nominee programs like the Manitoba PNP to start planning your future.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about your eligibility and start your application today. It’s a great time to build your Canadian dream—together.

If you found this helpful, be sure to check out our guide on How to Apply for a PGWP After Graduation or explore more about Family Sponsorship Options in Canada.