Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada: Who Qualifies

A spousal open work permit lets the spouse or common-law partner of some workers and students in Canada work for almost any employer, without a job offer. Since January 21, 2025, fewer families qualify, so check the rules below before you apply.

Spouses of workers

You may qualify if your spouse or partner works in Canada and:

works in a TEER 0 or 1 job, or in one of the TEER 2 or 3 jobs on IRCC’s list, and
has a work permit that is still valid for at least 16 months when IRCC receives your application.

Different rules apply if your spouse’s work permit was issued because they applied for permanent residence (6 months left is enough), and to a few special groups. Spouses of workers in TEER 4 or 5 jobs can no longer get a new permit this way, in most cases.

Spouses of students

Your spouse or partner must be studying in one of these:

a master’s program of 16 months or longer
a doctoral program
certain professional degrees, such as medicine, dentistry, law and engineering (IRCC keeps the full list)
certain pilot programs

Spouses of Canadian citizens and permanent residents

If you are being sponsored from inside Canada, you can usually get an open work permit while the sponsorship is in process. This is a separate permit with its own rules. See spousal sponsorship.

Children

In most cases, children of workers can no longer get open work permits this way. They can usually come as visitors or students.

How long it lasts

Usually until the end date of your spouse’s work or study permit.

Fees

CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit fee plus CAD 100 open work permit fee), and CAD 85 for biometrics if you need to give them.

Documents you usually need

proof of your marriage or common-law relationship
a copy of your spouse’s work or study permit
for workers: a recent employment letter and pay slips
for students: a letter from the school confirming the program
your passport, and a medical exam or police certificate if IRCC asks

If your application is refused

Read the refusal reasons first. Your GCMS notes show the officer’s full notes. You can apply again with stronger documents, or ask for reconsideration if something was missed.

Help with your application

We prepare spousal open work permit applications for clients in Canada and India. Book a consultation to check if you qualify.

The Complete Guide to Spousal Open Work Permits