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Spouses, common-law partners, and sometimes dependent children of certain workers, students, or PR applicants can get an open work permit. This lets the family member work for almost any employer while the principal person studies, works, or waits for permanent residence. Eligibility depends on the principal person's status and job level.
Family members of eligible skilled workers, international students, or permanent-residence applicants.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
Yes. An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer or LMIA, with limited exceptions.
No. Since January 21, 2025, eligibility is limited to spouses of certain master's/doctoral/professional students and spouses of workers in management, professional, or priority-sector jobs.
The Spouse and Dependant Open Work Permit is designed for family members of certain workers, students, or permanent residence applicants, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada.
Yes. Spouses of workers covered by certain free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence are not impacted by the new limits.
It is normally tied to your spouse's status and is generally issued for no longer than the validity of the principal applicant's study or work permit.
To be eligible for a Spouse and Dependant Open Work Permit, you must be the spouse, partner, or eligible dependant of a qualifying principal applicant, such as a skilled worker, international student, or permanent-reside
Assuming you still qualify under the old rules. Many applicants apply without checking that the principal applicant's program or occupation meets the post-2025 criteria.
No. As of January 21, 2025, dependent children are no longer eligible for an open work permit under this family-member measure.
