Spousal Open Work Permit

Full-time students who have a valid study visa may apply for an open work permit on account of their spouses or common-law partners. The spouse or common-law partner of the international student may work if they have an open work permit.

Your spouse or partner can apply without a job offer, and his or her permit will be good for the same amount of time as your study permit. This is a great way for your spouse or common-law partner to get involved in the community, obtain useful work experience, and make some additional cash. After you arrive in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a work visa.

It is also feasible to apply for your initial study permit outside of Canada and your spouse’s or common-law partner’s employment permit at the same time. Your minor child(ren) may also continue studies at the preschool, primary, or secondary levels without a study permit. Please be aware that children attending preschool, primary, or secondary school with an adult who is in Canada on a work or study permit are not needed to have a study permit.

Please be aware that the majority of applications must be submitted with government application processing fees to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).