Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada

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

Who can apply

Your spouse or partner must meet the eligibility criteria listed below to be eligible for an open work permit as your spouse or common-law partner.

If your spouse or common-law partner is applying for an open work permit on or after March 19, 2024

If your spouse or common-law partner applied for an open work permit before March 19, 2024

If your spouse or common-law partner is applying to extend their existing open work permit under this stream

If they’re not eligible for this open work permit, they may be able to get another type of work permit.

Find out about other work permit options.

How long the open work permit will be valid

Most of the time, your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit will be valid for the same period of time as your study permit.

How to apply

Due to a technical issue for online applications, your spouse or common-law partner must use the following instructions to apply for an open work permit online:

Applicants outside Canada: Answer “Yes” when asked, Are you a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a person who has or is applying for a work permit?
Applicants in Canada: Answer “Yes” when asked: Are you a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a person who:Holds a valid work permit or is applying for a work permit

Only your spouse or common-law partner is eligible for an open work permit. Dependent children are not eligible to apply for an open work permit under this category.

In most cases, your spouse or common-law partner must apply online for a work permit.

How applying online helps them

No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get their application instantly.
Their applications may be processed more quickly.
It helps them make sure their application is complete before they submit it.
They can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask them to).
They get updates on the status of their application directly in their online account.

Step 1: Make sure they have what they need

To apply online, they’ll need:

a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of their documents, and
a valid credit or debit card.

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if they apply online, they should read the instruction guide before they complete their application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Step 3: Prepare their answers for the online tool

Before they can upload their forms, they must answer some questions. We use their answers to create a personalized document checklist for them.

Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, their fees will include processing fees for them and anyone they include on their application.

We’ll ask them to pay their fees at the end of their application.

Step 5: Create their online account or sign in

They need an account to apply online. They can use their account to:

pay their fees
submit their application
check their status

Create an account or sign in

If they can’t apply online

They can submit a paper application if either:

they can’t apply online because of a disability
there’s a problem with the online application

CREDIT Canada.ca

Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada