Which courses are eligible for a spousal open work permit?

As of January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly restricted the issuance of Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) for the family members of international students. This policy shift is reflected in recent data, showing a 76% drop in study-related arrivals in the first half of 2025. 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?”

Eligibility for an open work permit for spouse of international student in Canada is now strictly limited to spouses of students enrolled in specific advanced or professional degree programs.

1. Eligible Programs of Study

A spouse of international student or common-law partners may be eligible for an open work permit if the principal applicant is enrolled in one of the following categories:

• Master’s Degree Programs (16-Month Minimum) The program must be at least 16 months in duration. Accelerated or 12-month programs no longer meet the threshold for an open work permit for spouse.
• Doctoral (PhD) Programs Students currently enrolled in any doctoral program remain eligible to support a spousal work permit application.
• Designated University Professional Degrees Eligibility is restricted to the following specific degree types at the university level:
  • Medicine: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Law: Bachelor of Law (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), or Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
  • Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Bachelor of Nursing (BN), or Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
  • Pharmacy: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), or Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BS/BSc)
  • Education: Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Engineering: Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, or BASc)
  • Dentistry: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
  • Optometry: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Veterinary Medicine: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Authorized Pilot and Bridging Programs Select programs, such as the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot and certain regulated health bridging programs in specific provinces, may also confer eligibility. These typically require a formal letter of support from the relevant provincial or territorial government.

2. Ineligible Programs (Common Exclusions)

Spouses are generally ineligible for an open work permit if the student is enrolled in the following types of programs:

• Most undergraduate or Bachelor’s programs (excluding the professional degrees listed above).
• One-year or two-year College Diploma and Certificate programs.
• Graduate Certificates or Post-Graduate Certificates, regardless of their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) programs.

3. Regulatory Nuances for Extensions and Validity

To maintain a work permit Canada status, applicants must observe the following technical requirements: 

• The Last Term Rule: For in-Canada extensions, the international student must not be in the final term of their program at the time of application. IRCC requires evidence of ongoing full-time enrollment in an eligible program.
• Full-Time Enrollment Requirement: The student must maintain full-time status at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Transitioning to part-time study may disqualify the spouse from future extensions.
• Documentation Standards: Applications must include contemporary proof of enrollment, such as a formal letter from the DLI and current academic transcripts. A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is sufficient for initial applications, but existing students must provide proof of active participation.
• Duration of Issuance: The SOWP is typically issued for a duration matching the expiration date of the student’s study permit.

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

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