Spouse Open Work Permit
Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students holding a valid study permit have the option to apply for an open work permit, facilitating their ability to work in Canada. This work permit allows the spouse or common-law partner of the international student to seek employment.
Importantly, obtaining a job offer is not a prerequisite for their application, and the permit’s validity aligns with the duration of the student’s study permit. This presents an excellent opportunity for the spouse or common-law partner to integrate into the local community, gain valuable work experience, and earn additional income. The application for a work permit for your spouse or common-law partner can be initiated upon your arrival in Canada.
Alternatively, it is feasible to apply for the spouse/common-law partner work permit concurrently with the initial study permit application outside of Canada. Additionally, minor children accompanying an adult with a valid work or study permit in Canada may attend preschool, primary, or secondary school without needing a separate study permit.
It is essential to be aware that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates the submission of government application processing fees for the majority of applications.
To be eligible for an open work permit, your spouse or common-law partner must meet the following criteria:
- You are a full-time student at a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
- You are enrolled in a private college-level school in Quebec.
- You are attending a Canadian private school authorized to confer degrees under provincial law (e.g., Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree).
- You hold a valid study permit.