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Spouse or Common-Law Partner Work in Canada- Recent Changes 2025

Understand the Recent Updates
Recent changes have made it possible for some spouses or common-law partners of international students to apply for an open work permit. This permit allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those with specific restrictions. Before submitting an application, make sure you are familiar with the updated eligibility criteria.
New Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an open work permit, your spouse or common-law partner must meet certain conditions. Specifically, they may qualify if:
- You hold a valid study permit.
- You are enrolled in:
- A master’s degree program lasting 16 months or longer.
- A doctoral degree program.
- An eligible professional degree program at a university (e.g., DDS, MD, PharmD, BScN, etc.).
Documents Required to apply
Your spouse or partner must provide documents to prove your enrollment, such as:
- A letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment from your institution.
- Transcripts from your current program.
- If applicable, a letter confirming you’re part of an eligible program.
Additionally, proof of your relationship may be required.
How Long Is the Work Permit Valid?
Usually, your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit will be valid for the same period as your study permit. This ensures that they can work for as long as you are studying in Canada.
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit
To apply for the open work permit, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Necessary Documents
Ensure they have digital copies of required documents, such as your study permit details and proof of relationship. - Read the Instruction Guide
Even if applying online, it’s important to carefully read the application guide. This will explain how to fill out the forms correctly. - Answer Questions to Create a Personalized Checklist
Before uploading the documents, they will need to answer a few questions to create a document checklist tailored to their specific situation. - Know the Fees
There will be processing fees, and payment can be made using a credit or debit card. - Create or Sign In to an Online Account
Your spouse or partner must create an online account to:- Pay the fees
- Submit their application
- Track the status of the application
Extending the Open Work Permit
Eligibility to Extend the Permit
If your spouse or common-law partner already holds an open work permit, they may be eligible to extend it under certain conditions. They must:
- Be in Canada with a valid study permit.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Not be in their last term of study.
The permit extension cannot go beyond the expiration date of your study permit.
Documents Required for Extension
To extend the open work permit, your spouse or partner must provide:
- Proof of your full-time student status (e.g., enrollment letter, transcripts, or study permit copy).
Conclusion
If your spouse or common-law partner meets the eligibility requirements, applying for an open work permit can help them work in Canada while you study. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and provide all necessary documents for a smooth application process.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
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