1. Your Canada Journey
  2. Careers in Canada
  3. Spousal open work permits
Key points from this article:
  • Spouses of international students qualify only for specified graduate, professional and other eligible programs.
  • Many spouses of foreign workers qualify only when the worker has an eligible occupation and at least 16 months left on their authorization.
  • The standard work permit and open-permit-holder fees total $255; biometrics may cost extra.
  • Always use IRCC's live checklist and processing-time tool rather than a fixed document list or estimate.
Couple reviewing information about a Canadian work permit

A spousal open work permit can let an eligible spouse or common-law partner work for most employers in Canada without a job offer. Eligibility is not automatic: it depends on the principal applicant's status, program, occupation and permit validity.

Last reviewed: September 24, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently. Use the linked IRCC pages to confirm the requirements that apply when you submit an application.

Who may be eligible?

IRCC uses different rules for spouses and common-law partners of international students, foreign workers and permanent residence applicants.

Spouses or partners of international students

Since January 21, 2025, eligibility is generally limited to spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in:

  • a master's degree program lasting at least 16 months;
  • a doctoral degree program; or
  • certain professional degree programs and other programs specifically listed by IRCC.

Being the spouse of any full-time international student is no longer enough. Check IRCC's current student-spouse eligibility page.

Spouses or partners of foreign workers

Under the general measure for workers who are not on an eligible pathway to permanent residence, the principal worker normally must:

  • hold a valid work permit or an approval for a work permit;
  • be employed or have an offer in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or in one of the eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupations listed by IRCC;
  • have at least 16 months remaining on their work authorization when the spouse applies; and
  • live, or plan to live, in Canada while working.

Different rules or exceptions may apply to workers on eligible permanent residence pathways, workers covered by certain free trade agreements, and other specific groups. Review IRCC's family-member work permit eligibility tool.

Sponsored spouses or partners applying for permanent residence

A spouse or partner included in an eligible in-Canada sponsorship application may be able to apply for an open work permit. An acknowledgement of receipt is usually required, although IRCC describes a narrow exception for some applicants whose temporary status will expire in two weeks or less. See the official sponsorship work permit instructions.

Documents and application steps

The exact checklist is generated from the answers in the online application. Depending on the category, an applicant may need:

  • a valid passport and proof of current immigration status;
  • proof of the marriage or common-law relationship;
  • the principal applicant's study permit, work permit or approval letter;
  • proof of enrolment and program details for an international student;
  • employment, job-offer and NOC/TEER evidence for a foreign worker; and
  • the permanent residence acknowledgement of receipt or other category-specific evidence, when applicable.

Most applicants apply online through an IRCC secure account. Follow the current instructions instead of mailing an application to an address mentioned in an older guide.

Fees and biometrics

The standard government fees are normally $155 for the work permit plus $100 for the open work permit holder fee, for a total of $255. Biometrics may add $85 for an individual when required. Confirm the amount with IRCC's official fee list before paying.

Processing times and application status

Processing times change according to the application type, country, workload and whether IRCC needs more information. Instead of relying on a fixed estimate, use IRCC's processing-time tool. Applicants can review messages and status updates in the account used to submit or link the application.

Before relying on this guide

  • Confirm that the principal applicant's exact program or occupation is eligible.
  • Check the remaining validity of the principal applicant's authorization.
  • Use the personalized document checklist generated by IRCC.
  • Never pay anyone who guarantees approval.
  • If you need advice about your circumstances, use an authorized immigration representative.

Official sources

Legal disclaimer

This article provides general information and is not immigration, legal or professional advice. For guidance about your circumstances, consult an authorized immigration representative. Always verify current requirements through official IRCC sources.