Spousal Open Work Permit Canada: Who Still Qualifies in 2026
A spousal open work permit lets the spouse or common-law partner of some workers and students work for any employer in Canada. Since 21 January 2025 the general rules cover only select spouses: those of high-skilled workers and of students in master’s programs of 16 months or more, doctoral or listed professional programs. Workers moving to permanent residence follow separate rules, and a few newer routes exist. Your eligibility depends on your partner’s job or program, not your own.
since 1991
What is a spousal open work permit?
A spousal open work permit is an open work permit for the spouse or common-law partner of some workers, students and permanent residence applicants. It is not tied to an employer, so your partner does not need a job offer or an LMIA. IRCC tightened the rules on 21 January 2025.
Does it depend on me or my partner?
On your partner. IRCC checks the worker’s job level and permit validity, or the student’s program and study permit. Your own degree or job does not decide it.
Key rules at a glance
- Worker partner: job in TEER 0 or 1, or a select TEER 2 or 3 job, and a permit valid at least 16 months
- Student partner: master’s of 16 months or more, doctoral, listed professional or eligible programs
- Worker moving to PR: separate PR-transition rules, not the January 2025 limits, with a permit valid at least 6 months
- Children: generally no longer eligible through workers, unless the worker is moving to PR
Do you qualify?
Match your partner’s situation to a list.
You may qualify if your partner is
- A worker in a TEER 0 or 1 job, or a select TEER 2 or 3 job
- A student in a master’s program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program or a listed professional program
- A worker moving to permanent residence through an economic program or an eligible stream
You probably do not qualify if your partner is
- A low-skilled worker who is not on a PR pathway
- A student in a program that is not listed
- Someone who holds a spousal open work permit themselves
Read our open work permits hub, the inland spousal sponsorship guide or the 2026 spousal open work permit post.
Who qualifies for a spousal open work permit
These rules come from IRCC. Check the current page before you apply, since groups were added in 2026.
Spouse of a high-skilled worker
Your partner works in TEER 0 or 1, or a select TEER 2 or 3 job, and their permit stays valid at least 16 months after you apply.
Spouse of an international student
Your partner holds a valid study permit in a master’s program of 16 months or more, a doctoral program, an eligible program or a listed professional degree.
Worker moving to PR
These are separate PR-transition rules, not covered by the January 2025 limits. Your partner needs a valid permit with at least 6 months left, tied to an economic PR application or an eligible stream.
BC, Quebec and other routes
From 23 March 2026, spouses of workers on a recognized significant investment project in British Columbia qualify at any TEER level, with no 16-month rule. From 5 June 2026, spouses of temporary workers who applied for permanent selection under Quebec’s PSTQ may qualify. From 25 May 2026, spouses of some foreign-trained health workers recruited by Quebec qualify under a separate rule.
If your spouse sponsors you for PR in Canada, you can apply once you hold the acknowledgement of receipt letter and live together.
Not sure which group you fit?
We check your partner’s job code, permit dates or program against IRCC’s list before you apply.
Who does not qualify
Low-skilled workers
Family members of workers in TEER 4 or 5 jobs qualify only if the worker is on a pathway to permanent residence.
Since 21 January 2025, dependent children of high-skilled and low-skilled workers generally no longer qualify. Children of workers moving to PR may still qualify, and they must meet the minimum working age in their province.
Your partner cannot qualify through you if they made a refugee claim referred to the IRB, face an unenforceable removal order, or hold a spousal open work permit.
Documents to prepare
Your list depends on your partner’s group.
How to get a spousal open work permit, step by step
Six stages from the first check to your permit.
Check your partner
Confirm their job level, permit dates or program.
Check the validity dates
Their permit must meet the 16-month or 6-month rule when you apply.
Gather your proof
Collect relationship, job, study and status papers.
Apply and pay
Apply online and pay $155 plus the $100 open work permit holder fee.
Biometrics and review
Give biometrics if asked and answer any IRCC request.
Receive and extend
A student spouse’s permit usually matches the study permit dates. Plan the extension early.
Spousal open work permit fees at a glance
From the IRCC pages, checked 5 October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Spousal open work permit FAQs
What is a spousal open work permit?
It is an open work permit for the spouse or common-law partner of some workers, students and permanent residence applicants. It lets the holder work for almost any employer with no job offer. IRCC narrowed the general rules on 21 January 2025.
Who qualifies for a spousal open work permit in 2026?
Under the general rules, spouses of high-skilled workers in TEER 0 or 1, or select TEER 2 or 3 jobs, and spouses of students in master’s programs of 16 months or more, doctoral or listed professional programs. Separate rules cover workers moving to permanent residence. Newer routes cover British Columbia significant investment projects and some Quebec workers.
How long must my partner’s work permit be valid?
For a high-skilled worker, at least 16 months after you apply, with limited exceptions. For a worker moving to PR under the separate PR-transition rules, at least 6 months. BC significant investment project workers do not need the 16 months. Check the exact date rule before you apply.
Can my spouse get an open work permit if I am a student?
Yes, if you hold a valid study permit in a master’s program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, an eligible program or a listed professional degree. The list includes medicine, law, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, education and engineering degrees. Most of the time the permit matches your study permit dates. See our bring your family guide for the study side.
Can my children get an open work permit?
Generally not through a high-skilled or low-skilled worker since 21 January 2025. Dependent children of a worker moving to permanent residence, and accompanying children of a person sponsored in Canada, may still qualify. Check the minimum working age in your province.
Which jobs count as high-skilled?
IRCC counts TEER 0 and 1 jobs and a list of select TEER 2 and 3 jobs, such as technicians, health technologists and many skilled trades. Find your NOC code first. Read our NOC code guide.
What if my partner is a low-skilled worker?
Then you only qualify if they are moving to permanent residence through an eligible stream, with a permit valid at least 6 months. Otherwise you may look at a visitor visa or an employer-specific permit.
Can I get one while my spouse sponsors me in Canada?
Yes, if you are sponsored under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class, live with your sponsor and hold the acknowledgement of receipt letter. Read our inland spousal sponsorship guide.
How much does a spousal open work permit cost?
The IRCC fee is $155 for the work permit plus a $100 open work permit holder fee, so $255. Biometrics may be an extra cost. Check the fee list on the day you apply.
What happened to the permit for spouses of PGWP holders?
Eligibility now depends on the partner’s job and permit, not on holding a PGWP. A PGWP holder working in a high-skilled job with a permit valid at least 16 months may still qualify. Read our PGWP guide.
Can my spouse apply from inside Canada?
Often yes. If they are in Canada they need valid status, or maintained or restorable status. Most open work permit applicants apply in Canada. Read our restore status guide if status has lapsed.
Where can I read more on the 2025 changes?
Read our 2025 open work permit rules post and the 2026 spousal open work permit post, then book a review of your case.