Spouse/Partner Open Work Permit

If you are a student in Canada, your spouse or a common-law partner can apply for an open work permit in specific cases, allowing them to work for any employer.

Eligibility

  • You must hold a study permit that is valid
  • You must be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • You must be a full-time student in any one of these institutions
  • A public post-secondary institution like a college, university, or CEGEP (in Quebec)
  • A private institution that can legally award degrees
  • A private college-level institution in Quebec

Things to take note of

  • The Open Work Permit will usually be the same length as your study permit.
  • Your spouse or common-law partner will not need a confirmed job offer to apply for this type of work permit.
  • Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for the open work permit after arriving in Canada too.

Application process

In most cases, your spouse or common-law partner will have to apply online for the spouse/partner open work permit. Apart from all the documents needed, they may have to provide biometrics too.

Processing Time

It may take 8-13 weeks or even longer to process these open work permits. You may have to contact the IRCC with your application number to know the exact processing time.

IRCC Processing Fees

Work Permit – CA$ 155
Open Work Permit Holder – CA$ 100
Do you want to know if your spouse or common-law partner is eligible to apply for the Spouse/Partner Open Work Permit? Bunchberry can help you understand the eligibility criteria and process the application.

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