Open Work Permit for Spouses of International Students in Canada (2025 Guide)
Can Spouses of International Students Work in Canada?
Yes ✅. If you are the spouse or common-law partner of an international student in Canada, you may qualify for an Open Work Permit (OWP).
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer first. The permit’s validity usually matches the length of your partner’s study permit.
Who is Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada?
You can apply for an OWP if your spouse or partner is studying full-time in one of these programs:
- Doctoral program
- Master’s program lasting 16 months or longer
- Certain professional degree programs, such as:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc, BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
👉 Applicants must also be medically and criminally admissible to Canada.
📌 Note: A spousal open work permit cannot be valid beyond the student’s study permit, and it cannot be extended if the student is in their final semester.
Who Qualifies as a Spouse or Common-Law Partner?
- Spouse: You are legally married, regardless of the country where the marriage took place.
- Common-law partner: You’ve lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, with minimal time apart.
Additional Eligible Programs for Spousal Open Work Permits
In 2025, new pilot and bridging programs will allow spouses of certain international students to qualify for OWPs.
| Program Name | Province/Territory | Eligibility Date |
|---|---|---|
| Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) | Outside Quebec | Aug 26, 2024 |
| International Nurses Credential Recognition | Quebec | Apr 30, 2024 |
| Internationally Trained Respiratory Therapists | Quebec | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Medical Laboratory Technologists (Internationally Trained) | Quebec | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Supervised Practice Experience Partnership | Ontario | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Nurse Re-Entry (Red River College) | Manitoba | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (UBC) | British Columbia | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (UBC) | British Columbia | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Nursing Practice in Canada (Langara College) | British Columbia | Jan 21, 2025 |
Click Here To Learn More About The Step-by-Step Guide To Applying For A Student’s Visa
How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada
To apply, follow these steps:
- Read IRCC’s official instruction guide before starting.
- Use IRCC’s tool to create a personalized document checklist.
- Create an account on the IRCC portal or log in to an existing one.
- Pay the required application fees online.
- Apply with the required documents, including:
- Proof of enrollment (letter from DLI or transcripts).
- A valid copy of your partner’s study permit.
Extending a Spousal Open Work Permit
You may apply for an extension if:
- Your spouse has a valid study permit.
- The student is physically present in Canada.
- They are enrolled full-time in a Postgraduate Work Permit-Eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- They are not in their final semester.
FAQs About Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada
1. Can I work full-time on a spousal open work permit?
Yes. With an OWP, you can work full-time for almost any employer in Canada.
2. How long does it take to process a spousal open work permit?
Processing times vary, typically ranging from 2 to 4 months, depending on the application volume.
3. Can I extend my open work permit if my spouse continues studying?
Yes, as long as your spouse meets the conditions (valid study permit, full-time enrollment, not in the final semester).
4. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. An OWP does not require a job offer.
Final Thoughts
The spousal open work permit offers a great opportunity for partners of international students to live, work, and build careers in Canada. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and submit the correct documentation, you can increase your chances of approval.
If you’re planning to study in Canada or accompany your spouse, knowing your work permit options will help you make the most of your Canadian experience.
