Who can apply for a spouse open work permit?

As of 2025, the spouse open work permit is no longer a general benefit for all; it is highly restricted. Your specific Canada spouse work permit eligibility depends on which of the following 3 categories the Principal Applicant (the spouse already in Canada) belongs to:

1. Spouse of an International Student (2025 Rules)

Your spouse may apply for an SOWP only if you are enrolled in a high-level academic program. Spouses of undergraduate/college students are generally not eligible. To meet the current spouse work permit eligibility standards, the student must be in:

• Who Qualifies:
  • Master’s Degree programs (minimum 16 months in length).
  • Doctoral Degree (PhD) programs.
  • Select Professional Degrees: Medicine (MD), Law (JD/LLB), Pharmacy, Nursing (BScN/BN), Education (BEd), Engineering (BEng), and Dentistry (DDS/DMD).
• Key Nuance: You must provide proof of current full-time enrollment. If you are in your final term or studying part-time, your spouse’s application may be refused.

2. Spouse of a Foreign Worker (including PGWP holders)

Since January 21, 2025, IRCC has split this into two distinct “measures.” The required validity of your permit depends on your specific pathway:

1. A) High-Skilled Worker (Not on a specific PR pathway)

• Validity Rule: You must have at least 16 months of work authorization remaining.
• Job Rule: You must work in a TEER 0 or 1 (Management/Professional) role OR a select TEER 2/3 role in a shortage sector:
  • Healthcare (Nurses, Pharmacy Techs, Lab Techs).
  • STEM (IT Support, Web Techs, Engineering Technicians).
  • Construction & Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Heavy Equipment Operators).
  • Agriculture & Education (Farm Supervisors, Early Childhood Educators).
• Restriction: Under this category, dependent children are no longer eligible for an open work permit.

Need more information about job rules, read our FAQ “Which TEER is eligible for a spouse open work permit?”

1. B) Worker on a PR Pathway (Bridging Open Work Permits, etc.)

• Validity Rule: You only need 6 months of validity remaining on your permit.
• Job Rule: Because you are already in a Permanent Residency (PR) stream (like a Provincial Nominee or Atlantic Immigration Program), the eligibility for spouses is broader, your spouse is generally exempt from the 16-month and TEER-specific job restrictions.

3. Spouse of a Canadian Citizen/PR (In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship)

If you are being sponsored for PR by your Canadian spouse or partner, you can apply for an SOWP to work while you wait for the decision.

• Who Qualifies: Spouses, common-law, or conjugal partners who are physically living together in Canada.
• The “Living in Canada” Requirement: Even if you apply via the “Outland/Family Class” stream for faster processing, you must be residing in Canada with your sponsor to apply for this work permit. You cannot apply for this OWP from abroad.
• When to Apply: Usually, you wait for the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) of your PR application.
  • Exception: If your current status expires in 2 weeks or less, you can apply for the OWP without the AOR, provided your PR application has already been submitted.

Need help with Canadian Immigration or a spouse work permit Canada and want to move through the process smoothly and confidently, you can book a consultation with our consultants. Also you can review our Immigration Consultant Fees to find the package that fits your needs.

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