Canadian Spouse Open Work Permit (Application Requirements)
﹙Updated on January 21, 2025﹚
(*Holders who have obtained a spouse work permit or applications before January 21, 2025 will not be affected*)
The IRCC has been tightening applications for various types of visas, this time it is about open work permit for spouses.
In the past, holders of general student permit and work permit could apply for an open work permit for their spouses so that their spouses could live together in Canada. However, starting from January 21, 2025, this permit will be subject to more conditions and restrictions.
(Study Permit) Holders
Starting from April 30, 2024, the IRCC will only allow international students studying in the following courses to apply for an Open Work Permit for Spouse for their spouses, including:
Master's Degree is at least 16-month duration
Doctoral Degree
Some flight school courses
Study the following professional courses at university:
1) Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
2) Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
3) Doctor of Medicine (MD)
4) Doctor of Optometry (OD)
5) Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
6) Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
7) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
8) Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
9) Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
10) Bachelor of Education (BEd)
11) Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
(Post Graduate Work Permit) holders
After graduation, the main applicant needs to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit, which allows legal work during the waiting period. However, the main applicant needs to wait until the PGWP is approved, together with a work contract (preferably a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job) and the first period of salary records, before applying for an open work visa for the spouse.
(Work Permit) Holders
Starting from January 21, 2025, the IRCC will only allow work permit holders (main applicants) who meet the following conditions to apply for an open work permit for their spouse, including:
Scenario 1:
The principal applicant has submitted an economic permanent residency application, including: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), etc.
A work permit obtained by submitting a permanent resident application is valid for 6 months or more.
Scenario 2:
The principal applicant has submitted a permanent residency application under other categories, including: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIP), Agri-Food Pilot Program, etc.
A work permit obtained by submitting a permanent resident application, valid for 6 months or more;
The principal applicant has been hired or will be hired for a low-skilled TEER 4 or 5 position.
Scenario 3:
The principal applicant has not submitted any permanent residence application;
Hold a work permit valid for 16 months or more;
The principal applicant has been hired or will be hired for a high-skilled TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 position.
Situation 4 (Not eligible for application):
The principal applicant has not submitted any permanent residence application;
The principal applicant has been employed or will be employed in a low-skilled TEER 4 or 5 position;
This situation does not qualify you to apply for a spouse open work permit.
If you have any questions about Canadian visas, further studies and immigration, please contact our Canadian licensed immigration consultants or fill out the online form for a free consultation .