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TEER 0/1
Worker requirement
Master's+
Student requirement
Any
Employer (if approved)
VMC
Eligibility check
VMC confirms your eligibility under the 2024 rules before you apply.
Book your Expert Consultation →A Spousal Open Work Permit (Spousal OWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian work permit holder or student to work for any Canadian employer without a job offer or LMIA. However, 2023-2024 policy changes dramatically narrowed who qualifies.
As of 2024-2026, spousal OWP eligibility is more restrictive than in prior years. Here are the qualifying categories.
Both partners get OWPs while PR is processing
If the principal applicant has submitted a complete Express Entry permanent residence application (and received an Acknowledgment of Receipt), both the principal and their spouse may be eligible for Bridging Open Work Permits while IRCC processes the PR application.
Principal must work in NOC TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation
A spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker currently working in Canada in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation (the highest skill levels) may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit. This is the primary spousal OWP stream for workers.
Note: TEER 0 = senior management; TEER 1 = professional occupations requiring university education (engineers, accountants, nurses, IT professionals, etc.)
Only master's and doctoral students at public universities now qualify
As of 2024, spousal OWPs for spouses of international students are now restricted to students enrolled in master's degree, doctoral (PhD), or select professional degree programs at public universities. Spouses of bachelor's degree students and college students no longer qualify.
Note: Professional degrees that may qualify include medicine, dentistry, law, and similar programs at public universities. Confirm current eligibility with VMC.
Ukrainian nationals and family members under CUAET
Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members authorized under the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization (CUAET) measures are eligible for open work permits. Spouses included in the CUAET authorization qualify.
Where principal has refugee or protected person status
Where the principal applicant has been recognized as a Convention refugee or protected person in Canada, or has an active refugee claim awaiting a hearing, their accompanying spouse may be eligible for an open work permit through related humanitarian measures.
Canada introduced these restrictions to manage temporary resident volumes and protect the Canadian labour market. The changes have significantly impacted international student families.
Prior to 2023-2024, spouses of almost any international student or temporary worker could obtain an open work permit. Families who arrived under those expectations have been significantly affected. Spouses of bachelor's students and college students who had planned to work in Canada now face very limited options unless the principal changes status.
| Situation | Pre-2023 Rules | 2024-2026 Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse of bachelor's degree student (any DLI) | OWP Eligible | Not Eligible (2024) |
| Spouse of college diploma student | OWP Eligible | Not Eligible (2024) |
| Spouse of master's/PhD student (public university) | OWP Eligible | Still Eligible |
| Spouse of TEER 0/1 worker | OWP Eligible | Still Eligible |
| Spouse of TEER 2/3 worker | OWP Eligible in some cases | No longer eligible in most cases |
| Spouse of TEER 4/5 worker | Not eligible | Not eligible |
| Spouse of Express Entry PR applicant | BOWP available | BOWP still available |
| Spouse under CUAET | OWP eligible | Still eligible |
VMC confirms your eligibility under the 2024 rules - including TEER level verification and program qualification check - before you spend time and money on an application that may not succeed.
Most Spousal OWP applications are submitted online from inside Canada. Coordinating with the principal applicant's permit renewal maximizes efficiency.
Verify that the principal applicant holds a qualifying work permit (TEER 0/1 occupation) or is in a qualifying study program (master's/PhD at public university) or has a qualifying PR application. This is the most important step - the 2024 changes significantly narrowed who qualifies.
Collect strong proof of your genuine relationship: marriage certificate, wedding photos, joint financial documents, communication records, evidence of cohabitation, and letters from family/friends. The relationship must be genuine - IRCC scrutinizes spousal applications carefully.
Obtain a copy of the principal applicant's current work permit or study permit, proof of their occupation (NOC letter, T4 slip, employer letter, business registration), and evidence their NOC is TEER 0 or 1 if applying under the worker stream.
Submit the application through your IRCC secure account. Select 'Open Work Permit - Spouse/Common-law partner'. Upload all documents, pay the application fee, and submit. Applications can typically be submitted from inside or outside Canada depending on your situation.
If you have not provided biometrics within the last 10 years, you will receive an instruction letter to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Provide biometrics promptly to avoid processing delays.
Once approved, your Spousal OWP allows you to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation. The validity period matches the principal applicant's work or study permit. When the principal extends their permit, apply to extend yours at the same time.
Government Fees (2026): Open Work Permit CAD $155 + Open Work Permit Holder fee CAD $100 (paid on approval) + Biometrics CAD $85 (if required). Processing: typically 3-6 months. Check current IRCC processing times before applying. Submit well before current status expires.
A comprehensive document package is the difference between approval and refusal. Relationship genuineness is the key factor IRCC examines.
For the worker stream, you must document that the principal applicant is actually working in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation. This requires an employer letter describing job duties in enough detail to confirm TEER level, pay stubs, and the NOC code matching the position. VMC verifies the NOC match before submitting.
Spousal OWP validity mirrors the principal applicant's permit duration. Planning around permit renewals ensures continuous work authorization.
Your Spousal OWP is typically valid for the same duration as the principal applicant's qualifying work permit or study permit. If the principal has a 2-year work permit, your OWP is valid for 2 years (or less if IRCC determines otherwise).
When the principal applicant renews their work or study permit, apply to renew your Spousal OWP at the same time or immediately after. This avoids gaps in work authorization. Apply at least 3-4 months before your current OWP expires.
If the principal applicant changes status (e.g., from student to worker, or receives PR), this affects your Spousal OWP. When the principal becomes a PR, your Spousal OWP stream may change. VMC advises families at every transition point.
Working on a Spousal OWP is not just income - it can build the basis for your own independent PR pathway.
If the principal applicant becomes a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, they can sponsor you for PR through the spousal sponsorship program. This is a separate, relationship-based PR stream that does not require Canadian work experience or Express Entry eligibility. VMC handles both pathways and recommends the fastest route for each family's situation.
Spousal Sponsorship for PRStill have questions? Our licensed RCICs answer within 24 hours.
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