Eligibility Rules For Spousal Open Work Permit In Canada

If you are married to or living with an international student in Canada, you may qualify for an open work permit (OWP).

An OWP allows you to work for most employers across Canada, without being tied to a specific job or industry. The permit is usually valid until your spouse’s study permit expires.

Today, we will discuss the eligibility rules for Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada, who qualifies, and steps to apply for work authorization.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Who Can Apply For A Spousal OWP?

You may be eligible for an OWP if your spouse or common-law partner is studying in one of the following programs:

• Doctoral program.
• A master’s program that is at least 16 months long.
• An approved professional program, including:
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD).
  • Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL).
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD).
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD).
  • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm).
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN).
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc).
  • Bachelor of Nursing (BN).
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd).
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc).

To qualify, you must also be admissible to Canada on both medical and security grounds.

Keep in mind that the OWP for spouses cannot be longer than the student’s study permit. If the student is in their final semester, the spousal work permit cannot be renewed.

Defining Spouse Or Common-Law Partner

You count as a spouse if you are legally married anywhere in the world. If you are not legally married, you may still qualify as a common-law partner if:

• You have lived together in a committed, conjugal relationship for at least 12 months.
• Time spent apart has been temporary or minimal.

More Eligible Study Programs

As we discuss the eligibility rules for Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada, let us also look at some more eligible study programs. 

Spouses of students enrolled in certain additional programs may also qualify for an OWP. Eligibility begins after the student reaches a specific stage of their program.

Steps To Apply For A Spousal Work Permit

If you are ready to apply, here’s how the process works:

• Review The Instruction Guide – This explains how to complete each section of the application form.
• Use IRCC’s Online Tool – This will create a personalized document checklist for your situation. Be mindful of the required responses to avoid technical issues.
• Create Or Sign In To Your IRCC Account – Applications are submitted online through this secure portal.
• Pay The Fees – The cost varies depending on your application. IRCC’s website provides up-to-date fee details.
• Submit Your Application – Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded.

Proof You’ll Need

When applying, you must show evidence that your spouse is enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Required documents include:

• Proof of full-time enrollment (such as a letter from the school or transcripts).
• A copy of the student’s valid study permit.

Extending Your Open Work Permit

You may be able to extend your OWP if the following conditions are met:

• Your spouse has a valid study permit.
• They are in Canada or will be physically present while studying.
• They are enrolled full-time in a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible program at a DLI.
• They are not in the last term of their studies. 

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