Stay together.Work in Canada.
A spouse open work permit may allow an eligible spouse or common-law partner to work in Canada while their partner studies, works, or moves through an eligible immigration process.
- Open permit
- May allow work for many employers
- Family unity
- Stay together during the journey
- Career growth
- Canadian work experience and income
- Timing matters
- Eligibility, status and expiry dates
The detail
What you need to know
Who may qualify?
- Spouses or common-law partners of eligible workers or students.
- Spouses connected to certain PR or temporary residence pathways.
- Applicants who can prove the relationship is genuine.
- Applicants who meet status and admissibility requirements.
Documents may include
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship.
- Partner's status, study or work documents.
- Proof of employment, program or eligibility category.
- Identity, travel and supporting relationship documents.
Common concerns
- Eligibility shifts with the partner's situation and program.
- Incomplete relationship proof.
- Timing issues when status is expiring.
- Documents that do not clearly support the category claimed.
How we help
We review your relationship proof, your partner's status, the eligibility category, the timelines and the supporting documents before submission.
Step by step
How the process works
- 1
Review
Check eligibility against the category.
- 2
Relationship proof
Organize the evidence.
- 3
Documents
Prepare the forms.
- 4
Submit
Apply online.
- 5
Processing
IRCC review.
- 6
Work
Start working if approved.
Next step
Work while staying with your spouse
Book a consultation to review your spouse open work permit options and timing.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
Talk to a regulated consultant
We confirm eligibility, flag the risks, and build the document plan before anything is filed.
Book consultationFree assessment