Spousal Open Work Permit

Eligibility & Requirements

Understand who qualifies for spousal OWP

If your spouse qualifies, they can work for any employer without needing a job offer. Qualification depends on your programme or occupation.

Spouse can apply from inside or outside Canada
Worker route: your permit is in TEER 0 or 1, or a listed TEER 2 or 3 occupation, with at least 16 months remaining
Student route: you are in a master's programme of 16 months or more, a doctoral programme, or a select professional programme
No job offer required
Not tied to one employer, subject to permit conditions

Who Qualifies (since 21 January 2025)

Student: Your spouse can apply only if you hold a study permit and are in a master's programme of 16 months or more, a doctoral programme, or a select professional programme (MD, JD/LLB/BCL, DDS/DMD, OD, PharmD, DVM, BScN/BSN, BEd, BEng/BASc).
Worker: Your permit must be in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation on IRCC's list, with at least 16 months of validity remaining when your spouse applies.
PR applicant: An Invitation to Apply alone does not qualify your spouse. A spouse may qualify when you hold a work permit issued because you applied for economic class PR, with at least 6 months remaining.
Children: Dependent children of workers can no longer get an open work permit.
Start-up Visa and Self-Employed: IRCC states these programs are closed to new applicants.
Not affected: Spouses of workers under free-trade agreements and family members transitioning to PR. Earlier permits stay valid until they expire. Source: IRCC notice on open work permits for family members.

Key Requirements

Valid Passport with 2+ years validity
Can apply from outside Canada, or from inside Canada with current status
Proof of Relationship (marriage certificate)
No Criminal Record
Medical Examination (if required)

Processing & Timeline

Processing Time: Varies by country; see IRCC's processing-times tool
Fees: CAD 155 work permit fee plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee, CAD 255 in total
Biometrics: CAD 85 per person, CAD 170 per family (if not exempt)
Validity: Same as principal applicant
Can be renewed: When principal permit renewed

Benefits

Open permit, not tied to one employer
Job changes without a new permit
Financial independence for spouse
Gain Canadian work experience
Available only to spouses who meet the January 2025 criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse work immediately after approval?

Yes. Once the open work permit is approved and issued, your spouse can work under its conditions. Work before that point is not authorized unless your spouse holds another valid work authorization.

What happens if my permit expires?

Your spouse's permit cannot be valid beyond your own work or study permit. If yours expires, your spouse's permit expires with it. If you extend, your spouse can apply to extend under the rules in force at that time.

Can my spouse change jobs unlimited times?

Not in general. An open work permit is not tied to one employer, so your spouse can change employers without applying for a new permit, subject to any conditions printed on the permit.

How long does a spousal open work permit last?

Your spouse's permit is normally issued for the same period as your study or work permit. It cannot extend beyond your permit's expiry or beyond the validity of your spouse's passport or biometrics. When your permit is extended, your spouse can apply to extend theirs if they still qualify.

Does spouse's income affect PR application?

Your spouse's earnings do not count against your PR application. Whether proof of funds is needed, and what counts toward it, depends on the PR programme, so check IRCC's requirements for your programme.

Spousal Open Work Permit

Eligibility & Requirements