SOWP for Spouses of International Students
Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) for spouses or common-law partners of international students are now limited to specific study programs. Effective January 21, 2025, eligibility generally depends on the student holding a valid study permit and being actively enrolled in an eligible program. Eligible programs typically include certain master’s programs of 16 months or longer, PhD programs, specific professional degrees, and select IRCC-listed pilots or special measures. Many undergraduate programs and most college diplomas or certificates are not eligible under the current rules. Clear proof of enrolment, program length/type, and the relationship is essential.
Eligibility Requirements
Canada limits spousal open work permits (SOWPs) for spouses or common-law partners of international students to specific study programs. A SOWP generally allows the spouse or partner to work for most employers in Canada, except employers on IRCC’s ineligible employer list or employers that regularly offer certain adult services as defined by IRCC.
A spouse or common-law partner may be eligible if all of the following apply:
- The international student holds a valid study permit.
- The student is enrolled in an eligible program (see below).
- Proof of the relationship and proof of the student’s enrolment in the eligible program can be provided.
WHO USUALLY DOESN’T QUALIFY NOW
In most cases, spouses or partners of students enrolled in undergraduate programs, most college diplomas or certificates, and master’s programs shorter than 16 months do not qualify under these rules, unless an IRCC-listed pilot program or special exception applies.
Note: After graduation, if the student obtains a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), the spouse or partner’s eligibility may instead be assessed under the rules for spouses of foreign workers.
NOC/TEER CODE ELIGIBILITY
NOC/TEER codes do not apply to student-based spousal open work permits. They become relevant only if the principal applicant becomes a foreign worker (for example, on a PGWP), because worker-based spousal open work permits are assessed using the worker’s occupation and TEER classification under IRCC rules.
Eligible Student Programs
Effective January 21, 2025, spouses/partners may qualify if the student is enrolled in one of the following:
- A master’s degree program of 16 months or longer, or
- A doctoral (PhD) program, or
- An IRCC-listed university professional degree program, including:
- Dentistry (DDS/DMD)
- Law (LLB/JD/BCL)
- Medicine (MD)
- Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD/BS/BSc/BPharm)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Nursing degrees (BScN/BSN/BNSc/BN)
- Education (BEd)
- Engineering (BEng/BE/BASc)
- An IRCC-listed eligible pilot/special program (for example, the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) outside Quebec, and certain provincial nursing/health bridging initiatives listed by IRCC).
For the official categories and the most current list guidance, refer to IRCC’s eligible program list here: IRCC eligible programs.
Document Requirements
Typical supporting documents include:
- Proof of enrolment, such as a proof of enrolment letter, transcripts, or a letter of acceptance (as applicable)
- Proof of participation in an eligible pilot/special program (if applicable), such as a province/territory letter or confirmation from the participating school/program
- Proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or evidence of common-law partnership
For a full, step-by-step document package (including common variations and how to present program proof), please refer to our complete guide here: SOWP Document Checklist.
