What are the new rules for spousal work permits in Canada?

Canada changed the rules for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) on January 21, 2025, and these changes mostly affect the spouses of temporary foreign workers and international students. The goal is to lower the number of temporary residents while still supporting important jobs and advanced education programs. Here’s what the new rules mean in simple terms.

1. If your spouse works in Canada (temporary foreign worker)

To qualify for a SOWP, your spouse – the principal worker – must:

• Work in a high-skilled job, such as:
  • TEER 0 or 1, or
  • An occupation from IRCC’s approved TEER 2 or 3 list in priority sectors.
• Have at least 16 months left on their work permit when your application is submitted.

If your spouse works in TEER 4 or 5, you normally cannot get a spousal work permit Canada anymore.
However, there are important exceptions for workers on pathways to permanent residency, including:

• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) holders
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominees
• Home Child Care Provider / Home Support Worker Pilot applicants
• Certain agricultural programs with special agreements

2. If your spouse is an international student

You can only get a SOWP if the student is enrolled in:

• A master’s program (16+ months)
• A PhD, or
• An IRCC-approved professional program (medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, etc.)

Spouses of undergraduate or college students are no longer eligible.

3. Sponsorship SOWPs are not affected

If you apply for inland spousal sponsorship, you can still get an open work permit under the old rules. These were not changed in 2025.

SOWPs issued before January 21, 2025 remain valid, and in many cases, they can still be extended – for example, when the principal worker becomes a BOWP holder or receives a PNP nomination.  

If you’re also wondering about financial requirements, see our FAQ about proof of funds for spouse open work permit. 

It’s always good to clarify your own case, which might be very specific and fall under exceptional cases, so better to book a consultation with Licensed immigration consultants. You can also check our Immigration Consultant Cost.