For many families, a spouse’s ability to work is what makes a move to Canada possible. On January 21, 2025, Canada significantly narrowed who can get a family open work permit. If your plans assume your spouse will be able to work, check them against the current rules.
Spouses of international students
Spouses and common-law partners now qualify only if the student holds a valid study permit and is enrolled in:
- a master’s program of 16 months or longer;
- a doctoral program; or
- certain professional degree programs, such as medicine, law, dentistry, engineering, nursing, education, pharmacy, optometry or veterinary medicine;
- or a small number of designated provincial programs, mainly for healthcare professionals.
Spouses of students in college diplomas, most undergraduate programs, or master’s programs shorter than 16 months generally no longer qualify. When approved, the spouse’s permit is usually valid for the same period as the student’s study permit.
Spouses of foreign workers
A spouse may qualify if the worker:
- works in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation; and
- has at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when the spouse’s application is received.
Spouses of workers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations can no longer apply under this measure.
Dependent children
Dependent children of foreign workers are generally no longer eligible for these open work permits. Exceptions exist where the principal worker is on certain pathways to permanent residence.
Other routes that remain
- Bridging open work permit: principal applicants who have applied for PR under programs such as Express Entry or a PNP can keep working while they wait.
- Inland spousal sponsorship: spouses being sponsored from inside Canada may be able to work during processing.
- PR pathway exceptions: spouses of workers who are already on a pathway to PR may still qualify.
Planning tip
If you are choosing a program or accepting a job offer, the spouse’s work eligibility should be part of the decision. A 12-month master’s program and a 16-month one can lead to very different outcomes for a family.
This article is general information based on Government of Canada guidance as of September 2026, not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently; please confirm current requirements or book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Sources
- Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada — Government of Canada
- Open work permits for family members of foreign workers — Government of Canada
- Bridging open work permit — Government of Canada
