Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada: Who Qualifies in 2026 and What to Prepare
If your spouse or common-law partner studies or works in Canada, you may qualify for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on their specific program or work situation. An open work permit generally allows work for most Canadian employers, subject to the conditions printed on the permit and restrictions on certain employers. If your partner is an international student Under the rules effective…
In 2026, Canadian spouses or common-law partners may qualify for an open work permit if their partner is either an international student or a foreign worker. For students, eligibility requires a master's or doctoral program lasting at least 16 months, participation in an IRCC-listed professional degree program at a university, or another specifically eligible program.
Bachelor's degrees alone do not suffice, but certain bachelor's professional degrees and designated programs may qualify. Foreign workers have more complex eligibility, depending on their occupation's broad TEER category, specific TEER 0 and 1 occupations, selected TEER 2 and 3 occupations, or special rules for permanent-residence pathways, trade agreements, and significant investment projects in British Columbia.
Even if a spouse has an existing valid permit, an extension or change in eligibility may still require reapplication and adherence to current IRCC instructions.
Written by urgent.news from Dev.to's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
