Spousal Open Work Permit Canada

Q: Is the spousal open work permit (SOWP) a pilot program?

Usually, no. SOWP isn’t one single pilot program—it’s a common label for different ways IRCC can issue an open work permit to a spouse or common-law partner, depending on the situation.Sponsored spouses/partners in Canada (PR sponsorship in process): IRCC offers an open work permit option under a public policy while the sponsorship application is being processed. This pathway originally launched as a pilot in the past, but IRCC currently describes it as a public policy.Spouses of foreign workers or international students: eligibility comes from IRCC’s regular rules for open work permits for family members (with major changes for some groups effective January 21, 2025).

Q: Are there any language requirements (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) for a spousal open work permit in Canada?

Usually, no. IRCC does not list IELTS/CELPIP/TEF as a general requirement for a spousal open work permit. SOWP eligibility is normally based on the relationship and the principal person’s situation (for example, an eligible student program, an eligible foreign worker category, or an in-Canada spousal sponsorship/public-policy route), plus standard admissibility requirements.Good to know:You may still need to meet medical/criminality and other standard work-permit requirements, depending on your case.A language test can be required for other applications (for example, some PR pathways and the PGWP), but that’s separate from a SOWP.

Q: Do I Need a Letter of Explanation, Letter of Intent, or Invitation Letter for a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada?

Not necessarily. These letters are usually optional for SOWP applications, but they can be very helpful when they clarify your situation or prevent confusion. A well-written Letter of Explanation (LOE) can connect the evidence, explain eligibility, and address anything that might otherwise look like a red flag (for example: travel history, finances, prior refusals, or gaps). What people call a “Letter of Intent” is often just a short section inside the LOE confirming you understand your temporary status and will comply with conditions. An invitation letter may also help in specific situations—especially when it supports your living arrangement or ties into a visitor visa context. The key is to use letters only when they add value, not as repetitive filler.Letter of Explanation (LOE) — often helpfulInclude an LOE if you need to explain anything that isn’t obvious from the forms (for example: your relationship timeline, current living arrangements, travel history, gaps in employment, prior refusals, unusual finances, or why you qualify under a specific SOWP pathway). You can upload it as an optional document in your IRCC account.Letter of Intent — usually just a section inside the LOEIRCC doesn’t require a separate “Letter of Intent” for most SOWP files. If you include it, keep it short (a few lines) inside your LOE: what you plan to do in Canada, that you’ll respect permit conditions, and that you understand it’s a temporary status.Invitation Letter — only “needed” in specific situationsAn invitation letter is commonly used for visitor (TRV) applications, not as a mandatory SOWP document. It can still help if you’re applying from outside Canada and want to document where you’ll stay and who will support you—especially if a TRV is involved.Best practiceUse these letters when they add value. A clean file with a targeted LOE is better than 3 long letters repeating the same points.

Q: Can I apply for a spousal open work permit if I’m out of status in Canada—do I need to apply for restoration first?

Usually, yes. Most in-Canada work permit applications require you to have valid temporary resident status, so if you’re out of status you typically need to apply for restoration first (or apply for restoration at the same time, if IRCC allows it for your situation). Restoration has a strict deadline, and being out of status usually means you must stop working until IRCC restores your status and approves a new work permit. In spousal sponsorship cases, there can be a major exception under specific public policy processing, where eligibility for a spousal open work permit may depend on reaching Approval in Principle (AIP) first. Because out-of-status files are high-risk and timing-sensitive, it’s important to rely on the exact dates and rules that apply to you.Key rules to keep you out of troubleNo work authorization while out of status or in restoration. Submitting an application doesn’t give you the right to work.If you’re past the 90-day restoration window, restoration usually isn’t available and your options can become much more limited (often involving leaving Canada, depending on the facts).

Q: Can a nanny (caregiver) apply for a spousal open work permit in Canada?

It depends who the principal person is.You are a nanny/caregiver, and you’re applying as the spouse/partner (you are not the principal).Your job title usually doesn’t matter. What matters is whether your spouse/partner qualifies under an open work permit pathway (for example, eligible international student programs, eligible foreign worker rules, or an in-Canada spousal sponsorship public policy).You are the nanny/caregiver working in Canada, and you want your spouse/partner to get an open work permit based on your job.Here, your occupation classification matters a lot. Common “nanny/caregiver” roles (like NOC 44100 home child care providers and NOC 44101 home support workers/caregivers) are generally TEER 4.Under IRCC’s rules in effect since January 21, 2025, spouses of foreign workers are generally eligible only if the worker is in TEER 0–1 (or select TEER 2–3) or fits a specific exception (for example, being on a qualifying pathway to permanent residence).So for many caregiver jobs, a spouse’s open work permit is not automatic, and often not available, unless you clearly fall under an exception IRCC recognizes.Key takeaway: A caregiver/nanny can qualify for an open work permit as a spouse (if the principal qualifies), but a caregiver/nanny as the principal worker may not be able to support a spouse open work permit under the current worker rules.

Last updated: March 19, 2026

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A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is an open work permit that may allow an eligible spouse or common-law partner to work in Canada without being tied to one employer. Eligibility criteria depends on the principal applicant’s situation and the specific rules for that stream. Common pathways include spouses of certain foreign workers, eligible international students, some PGWP holders, and some applicants being sponsored for permanent residence through in-Canada spousal sponsorship. Since January 21, 2025, eligibility for many spouses of workers and students has become more limited, with stricter TEER, occupation, and study program requirements.

Because the rules differ by category, it is important to understand which pathway applies before applying. The process can also differ depending on whether the application is made inside or outside Canada, and weak or incomplete applications can lead to delays or refusal. Many applicants choose to work with top spousal open work permit consultants to assess eligibility and prepare a clear, well-supported application.

SOWP Eligibility Requirements Based on Your Spouse/Partner’s Status

New Rules & Changes to Eligibility

Spousal open work permit rules in Canada vary depending on whether the principal applicant is a sponsored spouse, a foreign worker, a PGWP holder or an international student. Major changes took effect on January 21, 2025, narrowing eligibility for spouses and common-law partners of many foreign workers and students. Existing permits approved before that date remain valid until expiry, and some earlier or pending applications may still be assessed under the previous rules.

For spousal sponsorship cases under the in-Canada public policy, the May 26, 2023 policy largely remains in place. In most cases, IRCC still requires an Acknowledgement of Receipt, the couple must be living together, and maintained status does not by itself authorize work unless worker status already exists. For foreign workers and students, eligibility is now restricted to narrower TEER and study program categories.

Learn more about spouse open work permit new rules.

Eligibility for Spouses of Citizens & PRs

If you are transitioning to permanent residence through spousal, common-law, or a conjugal partner sponsorship and are living in Canada with your sponsor, you may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit while your application is being processed. In most cases, you can apply after IRCC issues an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming your PR application is complete.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

The applicant must generally:

Be sponsored as a spouse (legally married) or common-law partner (12 continuous months of cohabitation).
Be living in Canada with the sponsor and plan to continue living together.
Show the relationship is genuine.
Be admissible to Canada (criminality, security and medical admissibility rules still apply).
Have valid temporary resident status, maintained status, or be eligible for restoration.
If the applicant does not have valid temporary resident status and their PR application is being processed under the in-Canada spousal public policy, they generally must wait until they receive Approval in Principle (AIP) before applying for the open work permit.

Exception (urgent expiry): You can only apply for an open work permit without an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) if you meet both of the following criteria: (1) your work permit, study permit or temporary resident status will expire in 2 weeks or less, and (2) you have already applied for permanent residence under either the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class as a spouse or common-law partner, or the family class as a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner.

SPONSOR ELIGIBILITY

The sponsor must generally:

Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or a person registered under the Indian Act).
Be living in Canada.
Not be receiving social assistance (except disability).
Not be ineligible due to common bars (e.g., defaulted undertakings/immigration loans/support payments, imprisonment, undischarged bankruptcy, certain serious convictions, or the 5-year sponsorship bar).

Important note: This open work permit option applies to sponsored spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners living in Canada who have an eligible PR application in process (typically with AOR).

Eligibility for Spouses of International Students

Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits for spouses or common-law partners of international students are limited to specific study programs. Eligibility generally requires the student to hold a valid study permit, be enrolled in an eligible program, and provide proof of both enrollment and the relationship. Most undergraduate programs, most college diploma and certificate programs, and master’s programs shorter than 16 months usually do not qualify unless a listed pilot or special exception applies. Eligible categories generally include master’s programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs, certain IRCC-recognized professional degrees, and select pilots or special programs. NOC or TEER codes do not apply unless the student later becomes a foreign worker. Learn more about the spousal open work permit for international students.

Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers

Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits for spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers are subject to stricter eligibility rules. The principal worker must generally be authorized to work in Canada, have at least 16 months of valid work authorization remaining, live in Canada or plan to do so while working, and hold a job classified as TEER 0 or 1, or an eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation on IRCC’s list. The applicant must also prove the relationship and, if applying from inside Canada, usually have valid status, maintained status, or restoration eligibility.

NOC and TEER eligibility is based on the worker’s actual duties, not the job title alone. Most TEER 4 and 5 workers do not qualify under the standard stream, although limited exceptions may still exist through certain permanent residence pathways, free-trade agreements, or eligible extensions.

Learn more about the spousal open work permit for temporary foreign workers.

Eligibility for Spouses of PGWP Holders

A spousal open work permit for the spouse or common-law partner of a PGWP holder is assessed under the same rules that apply to spouses of foreign workers. Eligibility depends on the PGWP holder’s actual job, NOC 2021 code, and TEER level, not on the PGWP alone. In most cases, the PGWP holder must be living and working in Canada, have valid status, and have at least 16 months of work authorization remaining when the spouse applies. Eligible jobs are generally TEER 0 or 1, or certain IRCC-listed TEER 2 or 3 occupations.

IRCC looks at actual job duties rather than job title alone, so employment letters, job details, and recent pay records are important evidence. A PGWP and spousal open work permit may sometimes be filed together, but the spouse’s application can still depend on the PGWP being approved first. Dependent children are generally no longer eligible under this measure.

Learn more about the spouse open work permit for PGWP holders.

How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Applying Inside vs Outside Canada

A Spousal Open Work Permit can be filed either from inside or outside Canada, and the process and practical effects differ. If applying for SOWP from inside Canada, the applicant can usually stay in the country while the application is processed. When approved, the decision appears in the IRCC online account and the physical permit is generally mailed to the Canadian address provided. Applicants relying on maintained status should be careful about travel, because leaving Canada can affect their ability to keep working before a decision is made.

If applying from outside Canada, approval usually comes as a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, while the actual permit is normally issued by a border officer upon entry. If the person enters Canada as a visitor during processing, they cannot work until the permit is issued. Since December 23, 2024, most people can no longer flagpole to get work or study permits, though limited exceptions remain.

SOWP Extension Rules

A Spousal Open Work Permit extension may be possible from inside Canada if the applicant still qualifies as the spouse or partner of a principal temporary resident with valid status. In general, extensions are most straightforward when the current permit expires before the principal applicant’s status document and the request is made to align their validity periods. Applicants should provide updated proof of status, relationship, and documents showing the original eligibility conditions still exist.

The application should usually be filed before the current permit expires, and IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days early. If submitted in time and the applicant stays in Canada, maintained status may allow work to continue under the same conditions while processing is underway. If the permit expired less than 90 days ago, restoration and a new work permit application may still be possible, but work cannot continue until approval. After 90 days, restoration from inside Canada is generally no longer available.

Document Checklist

The spousal open work permit document checklist is personalized by IRCC based on the applicant’s situation, but most cases require core identity, status, and relationship documents. These commonly include a passport, digital photo, proof of current status in Canada if applying inside Canada, the correct application form, and proof of marriage or common-law partnership. Documents not in English or French usually need a full translation, certified copy, and, where required, a translator affidavit.

Additional documents depend on the principal applicant’s category. For spouses of international students, proof of enrolment in an eligible program, a valid study permit, and confirmation of full-time studies may be required. For spouses of foreign workers, applicants may need the worker’s valid work permit, proof of eligible employment, and documents such as employer letters or recent pay stubs. In inland sponsorship cases, an Acknowledgment of Receipt and family documents may also be needed, and IRCC can request more evidence at any stage.

Application Fees

When you apply for an open work permit as a spouse (SOWP), you must pay the required fees set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit processing fee is generally non-refundable once processing starts, while the open work permit holder fee is typically refunded if the application is refused. Always confirm the latest amounts on IRCC’s fee page.

IRCC FEES

Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
Total: $255 CAD

Biometrics fee (if required): $85 CAD per person

THIRD-PARTY COSTS

Medical exam (only if required): ~$200–$450+ CAD per person
Police certificates (if required/requested): ~$0–$100+ CAD per certificate
Translations/certified copies: ~$30–$80+ CAD per page (plus possible notarization)
Photos: ~$15–$25 CAD
Courier/shipping & document issuance (if required): ~$20–$80 CAD within Canada; ~$50–$150+ CAD internationally

Fees can change, and your IRCC online application will calculate the total before you submit—always verify the final amount in your account and on IRCC’s official pages.

If you’re looking for professional help, you can review our professional fees for service options and pricing.

IRCC Processing Time

Spousal Open Work Permit processing times are estimates only and can vary based on the application type, where it is submitted, the eligibility stream, and IRCC’s workload. The official IRCC online processing time tool should be checked for the most current estimate. Delays are often linked to incomplete forms, missing documents, unpaid fees, biometrics, medical exams, or additional review steps. Applications usually move through submission, completeness review, officer assessment, and final decision, with updates posted in the IRCC account, portal, and sometimes the status tracker.

If a spousal open work permit is submitted alongside a permanent residence application, the two files are generally processed separately and one may be finalized before the other. In many in-Canada sponsorship cases, the work permit is filed after IRCC confirms the PR application is complete. If approved from outside Canada, the applicant usually receives a letter of introduction and the permit is typically issued at entry; if approved inside Canada, the permit is usually mailed after the decision.

Spousal Open Work Permit: Special Cases & Key Challenges

Proof of Relationship

IRCC must be satisfied your relationship is valid (married or common-law) and genuine/ongoing. Upload what appears in your personalized IRCC document checklist, plus only clearly relevant supporting evidence.

MARRIED (SPOUSES)

Required

Civil marriage certificate required by your checklist or local issuing authority; a ceremonial document alone may not be enough

Recommended (genuineness)

Shared life/interdependence: joint lease/mortgage, joint bank/credit, shared bills, insurance/beneficiary docs
Social recognition: a few photos over time (incl. family/friends), wedding items/invitations, joint events
If apart: proof of visits + ongoing contact (travel records, call logs, small message sample)

COMMON-LAW PARTNERS

IRCC generally requires 12 continuous months of cohabitation (short temporary separations may be acceptable)

If requested in your checklist

IMM 5409 (Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union)

Cohabitation proof (avoid gaps)

Cover the full 12 months using 2–3+ document types, such as: lease/mortgage, utilities, joint accounts, insurance/IDs, official mail showing the same address

Genuineness proof (separate from cohabitation)

Shared finances/responsibilities, social recognition, and (if apart) contact/visits

TRANSLATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)

Any document not in English/French must include a complete translation plus required supporting items (including message samples, if applicable)

PRACTICAL CAUTION

Don’t overload chat screenshots—IRCC prefers official/third-party documents; use chats sparingly, mainly if you were apart

Proof of relationship for a SOWP is similar to the proof of relationship required for spousal sponsorship. For more information, please see the dedicated Proof of Relationship page.

Dependent Children

Under IRCC’s current in-Canada spousal open work permit policy, eligibility is not limited to the sponsored spouse or partner. In some cases, an accompanying dependent child of the principal applicant may also qualify for an open work permit, but this is a separate eligibility route with its own requirements. It is a narrow sponsorship-specific situation and does not apply across all spousal open work permit categories.

The dependent child open work permit route is tied to a specific public policy and may be available only where key conditions are met. In general, this means the principal applicant must be in a genuine relationship with the sponsor, be included in a permanent residence application that has already received an Acknowledgement of Receipt, and be living in Canada with the sponsor. The dependent child must also be living in Canada with the principal applicant and the sponsor at the time the work permit application is submitted. If the permanent residence application has been refused, returned, or withdrawn, this policy would no longer apply. Applications under this stream also cannot be made at a port of entry.

Even if a dependent child is issued an open work permit, the child may work only if they meet the minimum legal working age and any job-related restrictions in the province or territory where they will work. Families who need to confirm whether a child qualifies should review the rules for a dependent child in Canada.

Proof of Funds

IRCC does not set a fixed dollar amount for proof of funds in spousal open work permit applications. Instead, officers assess whether the funds are credible, accessible, and enough to support the applicant and any accompanying family during a temporary stay. What is needed can vary based on whether the application is made inside or outside Canada, household size, and the overall circumstances, so the focus is on a clear and consistent financial picture rather than a single minimum amount.

Recommended evidence usually includes 3 to 6 months of bank statements, proof of income such as pay stubs or an employment letter, and explanations for unusual deposits, transfers, or sudden balance changes. Stronger proof is often needed in higher-scrutiny cases, including outside-Canada applications, dependents, recent job changes, or irregular banking activity.

Learn more about proof of funds for a spousal open work permit.

Validity and Expiry Date

A SOWP is typically issued for the same general time period as the principal spouse/partner’s work or study authorization, so it often matches the principal person’s permit validity. That said, IRCC can shorten the validity depending on your supporting documents—especially if your passport/travel document expires before the principal person’s status ends, because IRCC won’t issue past passport validity. The final expiry date is set by the officer based on what you submit and the specific eligibility category used. Once issued, the permit is usually valid until its printed expiry date, so it’s important to confirm that date immediately and plan renewals early if needed.

WHAT MAINLY DETERMINES THE EXPIRY DATE

Principal spouse or partner’s status period: Your open work permit may be issued for a period linked to your spouse or common-law partner’s valid work or study permit. The expiry date can be shorter depending on the documents you provide, including your passport or travel document validity, and any stream-specific limits.
Your passport expiry (very common): IRCC won’t issue a work permit past your passport/travel document expiry, even if you otherwise qualify for longer.
Program/stream-specific limit (spouses of students): If you’re applying under the spouses-of-students stream, you generally can’t extend the open work permit beyond the student’s valid study permit period. To qualify for an extension under this stream, the student must still hold a valid study permit and meet the stream’s requirements.

IF CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE AFTER ISSUANCE

If your spousal open work permit has already been issued, it generally remains valid until the expiry date printed on the permit, even if your spouse or common-law partner later loses their job, completes their studies early, or you separate or divorce after the permit is issued. However, if those changes occur, you may not be eligible to extend the same work permit when it expires.

Refusals & How to Reapply

If a spousal open work permit is refused, the next step depends on the refusal reasons and whether the applicant is in Canada. The refusal letter should be reviewed carefully to identify which requirement was not met and what evidence was missing, unclear, or insufficient. In many cases, the most practical option is to reapply with stronger documents and a clear explanation addressing each issue. Reconsideration may be requested if there appears to be an officer error or important evidence was overlooked.

There is no formal appeal for work permit refusals. Judicial review may be possible if the decision appears unreasonable or procedurally unfair, but strict deadlines apply: 15 days if notified in Canada and 60 days if notified outside Canada. If the refusal ends maintained status, work must usually stop immediately, and restoration may be needed within 90 days if eligible.

Learn more about spousal open work permit refusals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spousal open work permit (SOWP) a pilot program?

Usually, no. SOWP isn’t one single pilot program—it’s a common label for different ways IRCC can issue an open work permit to a spouse or common-law partner, depending on the situation.

Sponsored spouses/partners in Canada (PR sponsorship in process): IRCC offers an open work permit option under a public policy while the sponsorship application is being processed. This pathway originally launched as a pilot in the past, but IRCC currently describes it as a public policy.
Spouses of foreign workers or international students: eligibility comes from IRCC’s regular rules for open work permits for family members (with major changes for some groups effective January 21, 2025).

Do I need an LMIA for a spousal open work permit, or does my spouse’s job need to be LMIA-based?

No. A spousal open work permit (SOWP) is an open work permit, so it doesn’t require an LMIA and it’s not tied to a specific employer. Your spouse’s job also does not need to be “LMIA-based” for you to qualify.
What does matter is which SOWP pathway you’re applying under:

Sponsored spouse/partner in Canada (PR in process): The open work permit is issued under IRCC’s public policy for sponsored spouses/partners—no LMIA required.
Spouses of foreign workers: Your SOWP is still LMIA-exempt as an open work permit. Eligibility is based on the principal worker’s status and qualifying job/criteria (not on whether their job is LMIA-based).
Spouses of international students: Also an open work permit route (if the student’s program is eligible)—no LMIA required.

If you don’t qualify for a SOWP: you may need an employer-specific work permit instead, and that employer may need an LMIA (unless an LMIA exemption applies).

Are there any language requirements (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) for a spousal open work permit in Canada?

Usually, no. IRCC does not list IELTS/CELPIP/TEF as a general requirement for a spousal open work permit. SOWP eligibility is normally based on the relationship and the principal person’s situation (for example, an eligible student program, an eligible foreign worker category, or an in-Canada spousal sponsorship/public-policy route), plus standard admissibility requirements.

Good to know:

You may still need to meet medical/criminality and other standard work-permit requirements, depending on your case.
A language test can be required for other applications (for example, some PR pathways and the PGWP), but that’s separate from a SOWP.

What can make someone ineligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

A person may be unable to get a Spousal Open Work Permit either because they do not meet the SOWP eligibility rules or because they are inadmissible to Canada. Ineligibility can happen if the principal applicant no longer qualifies under the current rules, including the January 21, 2025 changes that narrowed eligibility for spouses of certain foreign workers and spouses of international students. For workers, eligibility may also depend on whether the principal applicant’s job still falls within an eligible category, including the current TEER/NOC-based requirements.
A person may also be refused if they are inadmissible for reasons such as criminality, security concerns, misrepresentation, medical inadmissibility, financial reasons, or non-compliance with immigration rules. In addition, all work permit applicants must satisfy general requirements, including showing they will leave Canada when required, obey the law, and provide any documents IRCC requests.

Do I Need a Letter of Explanation, Letter of Intent, or Invitation Letter for a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada?

Not necessarily. These letters are usually optional for SOWP applications, but they can be very helpful when they clarify your situation or prevent confusion. A well-written Letter of Explanation (LOE) can connect the evidence, explain eligibility, and address anything that might otherwise look like a red flag (for example: travel history, finances, prior refusals, or gaps). What people call a “Letter of Intent” is often just a short section inside the LOE confirming you understand your temporary status and will comply with conditions. An invitation letter may also help in specific situations—especially when it supports your living arrangement or ties into a visitor visa context. The key is to use letters only when they add value, not as repetitive filler.

Letter of Explanation (LOE) — often helpful
Include an LOE if you need to explain anything that isn’t obvious from the forms (for example: your relationship timeline, current living arrangements, travel history, gaps in employment, prior refusals, unusual finances, or why you qualify under a specific SOWP pathway). You can upload it as an optional document in your IRCC account.

Letter of Intent — usually just a section inside the LOE
IRCC doesn’t require a separate “Letter of Intent” for most SOWP files. If you include it, keep it short (a few lines) inside your LOE: what you plan to do in Canada, that you’ll respect permit conditions, and that you understand it’s a temporary status.

Invitation Letter — only “needed” in specific situations
An invitation letter is commonly used for visitor (TRV) applications, not as a mandatory SOWP document. It can still help if you’re applying from outside Canada and want to document where you’ll stay and who will support you—especially if a TRV is involved.

Best practice
Use these letters when they add value. A clean file with a targeted LOE is better than 3 long letters repeating the same points.

Can I study in Canada on a spousal open work permit (SOWP), or do I need a study permit?

Having a SOWP doesn’t automatically give you the right to study without a study permit. In most cases, you need a study permit if your program is more than 6 months or can’t be completed within the time you’re authorized to stay in Canada.

When you may study without a study permit

Short-term studies (6 months or less), as long as the program is not part of a longer program and you’ll finish within your allowed stay.
Some specific exemptions (for example, certain minors, visiting forces, etc.).
Temporary public policy (time-limited): IRCC has a public policy (as of June 27, 2023) that lets some eligible work permit holders study without a study permit, with specific conditions and an end date (currently shown as June 27, 2026, unless changed/revoked). This is not automatic—eligibility must be confirmed.

If you plan to study longer than 6 months
Apply for a study permit (you can hold a work permit and a study permit at the same time). When applying, include a short letter explaining how you’ll balance work and studies if needed.

Can I apply for a spousal open work permit if I’m out of status in Canada—do I need to apply for restoration first?

Usually, yes. Most in-Canada work permit applications require you to have valid temporary resident status, so if you’re out of status you typically need to apply for restoration first (or apply for restoration at the same time, if IRCC allows it for your situation). Restoration has a strict deadline, and being out of status usually means you must stop working until IRCC restores your status and approves a new work permit. In spousal sponsorship cases, there can be a major exception under specific public policy processing, where eligibility for a spousal open work permit may depend on reaching Approval in Principle (AIP) first. Because out-of-status files are high-risk and timing-sensitive, it’s important to rely on the exact dates and rules that apply to you.

Key rules to keep you out of trouble

No work authorization while out of status or in restoration. Submitting an application doesn’t give you the right to work.
If you’re past the 90-day restoration window, restoration usually isn’t available and your options can become much more limited (often involving leaving Canada, depending on the facts).

Can a nanny (caregiver) apply for a spousal open work permit in Canada?

It depends who the principal person is.

You are a nanny/caregiver, and you’re applying as the spouse/partner (you are not the principal).
Your job title usually doesn’t matter. What matters is whether your spouse/partner qualifies under an open work permit pathway (for example, eligible international student programs, eligible foreign worker rules, or an in-Canada spousal sponsorship public policy).

You are the nanny/caregiver working in Canada, and you want your spouse/partner to get an open work permit based on your job.
Here, your occupation classification matters a lot. Common “nanny/caregiver” roles (like NOC 44100 home child care providers and NOC 44101 home support workers/caregivers) are generally TEER 4.
Under IRCC’s rules in effect since January 21, 2025, spouses of foreign workers are generally eligible only if the worker is in TEER 0–1 (or select TEER 2–3) or fits a specific exception (for example, being on a qualifying pathway to permanent residence).
So for many caregiver jobs, a spouse’s open work permit is not automatic, and often not available, unless you clearly fall under an exception IRCC recognizes.

Key takeaway: A caregiver/nanny can qualify for an open work permit as a spouse (if the principal qualifies), but a caregiver/nanny as the principal worker may not be able to support a spouse open work permit under the current worker rules.