Spousal Open Work Permit

Open Work Permits for Family Members of Foreign Workers

Canada allows eligible family members of foreign workers and students to apply for open work permits, enabling them to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer.

Who Qualifies?

1. Spouses/Common-Law Partners of Skilled Workers (LMIA Exemption Code C41):

You may be eligible if your spouse holds a valid work permit and is working in a high-skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, or select TEER 2 & 3 roles). Their work permit must be valid for at least 16 months, and they must reside or plan to reside in Canada.

Eligible Occupations list can be found at the following link:

Eligible High-skilled occupations in TEER 2 Click here

Eligible High-skilled occupations in TEER 3 Click here

2. Spouses of PR Applicants in Economic Programs:

If your spouse has applied for permanent residency under the following programs, you may be eligible for open work permit:

• Agri-Food Pilot
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Canadian experience class
• caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
• federal skilled trades class
• federal skilled worker class
• holders of a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) who applied for PR including
  
  • Quebec skilled worker class
  • Quebec investors program
• Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot – Direct to PR stream
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
• start-up business class

3. Spouses/Common-Law Partners of International Students (LMIA Exemption Code C42):

As of January 21, 2025, only spouses of students enrolled in:

• Doctoral (PhD) programs
• Master’s programs of 16+ months
• Participating in an eligible program
• Certain professional degrees programs at a university, including:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)

4. Inland Spousal Sponsorship:

If you're being sponsored for permanent residence from within Canada by your Canadian or PR spouse/common-law partner, you may apply for an open work permit.

5. Other Eligible Situations:

There are additional categories through which spouses or common-law partners can apply for an open work permit, based on the immigration status of their spouse or common-law partner. These categories encompass:

• those who are refugee claimants,
• the spouses or common-law partners of bridging permit holders,
• individuals involved in the Home Childcare Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot,
• spouses or common-law partners of work permit holders who have been nominated for permanent residence by a province
• spouses or common-law partners of participants in pilot programs
• applicants under some other categories might be eligible for open work permits

Who is NOT Eligible?

• Family of workers under low-wage, agricultural, or seasonal streams
• Spouses of students in undergrad, diploma, certificate, or short master’s programs
• Those applying for PGWP but haven't yet received approval
• Refugee claimants referred to the IRB
• Those under unenforceable removal orders
• Co-op or unauthorized working international students

It's important to note that each case is unique. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to us for a discussion regarding your specific circumstances. We will provide advice tailored to your eligibility.

How Can-X Punjab Can Help in getting spousal open work permits?

Navigating open work permit options for family members of foreign workers can be complex—especially with Canada’s changing policies. Can-X Immigration offers personalized support to assess your eligibility based on your spouse or partner’s status—whether they’re a skilled worker, international student, or permanent residence applicant.

We help identify the right LMIA exemption category (C41, C42, etc.), ensure all eligibility criteria are met, and assist with accurate, timely application submissions. From verifying program eligibility under new rules to preparing supporting documentation, our team is committed to helping your family reunite and thrive in Canada. Let us guide you every step of the way.

Contact Us to discuss your options