Partners working in Canada
Spousal Open Work Permit for the Spouse/Common-Law Partner of a Student
The spouses and common-law partners of some international students may be eligible for an open work permit. An open work permit lets them work for any employer in Canada, except for one that either
- is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
- regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages
Please check "Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada" for more information regarding "Who can apply" and "How to apply".
On September 18, 2024, IRCC annouced that they are limiting work permit eligibility, later this year, to spouses of master’s degree students to only those whose program is at least 16 months in duration. Please note that this policy has not in effect yet.
Spousal Open Work Permit for the Spouse/Common-Law Partner of a PGWP Applicant/Holder
Family members of most foreign workers can apply for an open work permit.
An open work permit lets your family member work for any employer in Canada, except for one that
- is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
- regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
Please check "Open work permits for family members of foreign workers" for more information about "Who can apply", "When you can apply", "How to apply" and "How IRCC processes your application".
On September 18, 2024, IRCC annouced that they are limiting work permit eligibility later this year to spouses of foreign workers in management or professional occupations or in sectors with labour shortages—under Canada’s work permit programs (TFWP and IMP). Please note that this policy has not in effect yet.
