Can my spouse work in Canada? Until 2024 the answer was almost always yes. Since January 2025 the spousal open work permit Canada programme (SOWP) is limited to the partners of certain students and workers, and 2026 added a few new measures for specific groups. This guide explains who still qualifies, what the worker and student rules look like, and what to do if your spouse does not qualify.
Quick answer
An open work permit lets the holder work for any employer in Canada, with a few exceptions: an employer listed as ineligible because of failing to comply with conditions, or one that regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages. It is “open” because it is not tied to a single job offer.
Since 21 January 2025, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible if you have a valid study permit and are:
In most cases the spouse’s work permit is valid for the same period as the study permit. To extend it, the student must have a valid study permit, be physically in Canada, be a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI and not be in the last term of the program.
Planning a master’s in Canada? Read about the 2026 study permit cap and PAL exemption – master’s students at public institutions no longer need a PAL – and what you can do afterwards with a PGWP.
Your spouse’s eligibility depends on the type of worker you are and on whether you are on a pathway to permanent residence or have applied for PR. For most workers:
| TEER | NOC examples |
|---|---|
| TEER 2 | 32101 Licensed practical nurses, 32120 Medical laboratory technologists, 72200 Electricians, 72300 Plumbers, 72106 Welders, 42202 Early childhood educators |
| TEER 3 | 33100 Dental assistants, 33102 Nurse aides and orderlies, 73300 Transport truck drivers |
This is only a sample. Look up your exact NOC code and TEER category and check it against the full list on the official IRCC page before your spouse applies.
Watch out
Rules for family open work permits have changed several times since 2024. Check the IRCC page on the day you apply – an old blog post or YouTube video may describe rules that no longer apply.
They may still qualify for another type of work permit – for example an employer-specific permit with a job offer. See our Canada work permit consultant page and our guide to the Canada dependent visa after a work visa for bringing family. A visitor visa is also an option for short stays.
| Situation | Likely outcome under the published rules |
|---|---|
| You start a 2-year master’s degree at a Canadian university (study permit valid) | Your spouse may be eligible: master’s programs of 16 months or longer qualify, and their permit is usually valid for the same period as your study permit. |
| You work as a registered nurse or electrician (TEER 1 or a selected TEER 2 occupation) with a permit valid for 20 more months | Your spouse may be eligible: the occupation is on the eligible list and your permit has more than 16 months remaining. |
| You are in a one-year college certificate that is not an eligible program | Your spouse generally does not qualify for the student-route open work permit. They may look at other permit types. |
These are illustrations of the published criteria, not a decision on any application. Always check your own NOC code, program and permit dates on the official pages.
Only if you have a valid study permit and are in a master’s program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, an eligible program on IRCC’s list or one of the listed professional degrees. Partners of students in most other programs no longer qualify.
Your work permit or authorisation to work must be valid for at least 16 months after IRCC receives your spouse’s open work permit application. There are exceptions, such as the BC significant investment project measure and the Quebec health professional measure.
For students’ spouses it is usually valid for the same period as the student’s study permit.
In most cases yes. A paper application is allowed only if they cannot apply online because of a disability or a problem with the online application.
On the National Occupational Classification pages that IRCC links from its family open work permit page. Use the exact code in your work permit documents.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 6 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Not sure whether your spouse qualifies – or which Canadian route suits your family best? Our Canada immigration consultants in Hyderabad will check your case before you apply. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154.
