Work permits for the Spouse

A spouse (non-student) of a full-time international student may obtain a Work Permit to work anywhere in Canada. A specific job offer is not required to obtain a Work Permit. The Work Permit will have the same expiry date as their spouse's Study Permit.

Eligibility

Your spouse or common-law partner is eligible to apply for a work permit if you:

• Happen to be a full time student at: a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec; a private post-secondary institution working under the rules and regulations similar to a public institution, and receiving not less than 50% of its financing for its overall operations from government grants; or a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.
• Have a valid study permit or
• Have a valid work permit.

Validity

Your study or work permit and the work permits for your spouse or common-law partner are valid for the same period of time.

Note: Accompanying spouses or common-law partners of foreign students can apply for an open work permit. This means that a job offer or a labor market opinion from Service Canada would not be required by them.