Can I get a work permit if my spouse is studying in Canada?

Effective January 21, 2025, eligibility for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is restricted to the spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in specific advanced academic programs. For a plain-language summary of what changed and who is affected, see our FAQ “What is the new rule for spouse open work permit?”

Under these new rules, a spouse of an international student no longer receives automatic work authorization.

1. Eligible Programs of Study

A spouse or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit for spouse if the international student holds a valid study permit and is enrolled in one of the following:

• Master’s Degree Programs: The program must be at least 16 months in duration. Accelerated or 12-month Master’s programs do not meet the minimum threshold for SOWP eligibility.
• Doctoral (PhD) Programs: All doctoral students remain eligible to support spouse visa application.
• University Professional Degrees: Limited to specific university-level programs, including:
  • Medicine & Health: MD, DDS/DMD (Dentistry), OD (Optometry), PharmD/BPharm (Pharmacy), DVM (Veterinary Medicine), and select Bachelor of Nursing degrees (BScN, BSN, BN).
  • Law: LLB, JD, or BCL.
  • Education & Engineering: BEd and BEng (including BE or BASc).
• Designated Pilot/Bridging Programs: Specific programs listed by province or territory, such as the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.

Get more information on this topic in our FAQ “Which courses are eligible for a spousal open work permit?” 

2. Ineligible Study Scenarios

A spouse of student or common-law partner are generally not eligible for an open work permit if the student is enrolled in:

• Undergraduate or Bachelor’s programs (unless specifically listed as a “Professional Degree” above).
• College diplomas or certificate programs.
• Graduate certificates or post-graduate certificates.
• Master’s programs shorter than 16 months.

3. Application Technicalities

• Relationship Status: This pathway is reserved for spouses or common-law partners. Unlike Permanent Residency sponsorship, conjugal partners do not qualify for a work permit under the student-spouse stream.
• Standard Evidence: IRCC requires proof of the student’s full-time enrollment, which may include a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA), an enrollment verification letter, and current transcripts.
• Extension Restrictions: To extend an existing SOWP, the student must have a valid study permit, be physically present in Canada, and be enrolled full-time in a PGWP-eligible program. Crucially, extensions are typically refused if the student is in the final term of their program.

4. Transitional Provisions

Applications for a spouse open work permit received by IRCC before January 21, 2025, will continue to be processed under the previous eligibility criteria. Permits approved under the old rules remain valid until their stated expiry date.

Need assistance with an open work permit for spouse and want to move through the process smoothly and confidently, you can book a consultation with our Canadian immigration experts. Also you can review our Immigration Consultant Prices to find the package that fits your needs.

If you need a full overview on spouse visa Canada, you can visit our dedicated webpage for a complete breakdown of the family reunification process.