Open Work Permit: New eligibility 2025: Canada provides numerous opportunities for international students and their families. One such benefit is the ability for the spouse or common-law partner of an international student to apply for an open work permit. This guide will outline the new eligibility criteria effective from January 21, 2025, and provide a step-by-step approach to applying, extending, and ensuring compliance with the updated requirements.
What is an Open Work Permit?
An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, with the following exceptions:
- Employers listed as ineligible due to non-compliance with conditions.
- Employers regularly offering striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Starting January 21, 2025, spouses or common-law partners of international students may qualify for an open work permit if the student:
- Holds a valid study permit.
- Is enrolled in one of the following:
- A master’s degree program of 16 months or longer.
- A doctoral degree program.
- An eligible program as specified.
- A professional degree program in one of the following fields:
- Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Medicine (MD)
- Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc, BN)
- Education (BEd)
- Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
If the spouse or common-law partner is not eligible for an open work permit under these criteria, they may explore other types of work permits.
Eligible Programs by Province or Territory
Certain programs across Canada provide eligibility for open work permits:
Outside Quebec
- Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP): Eligibility begins August 26, 2024.
Quebec
- Nursing Skills Recognition Project: From April 30, 2024.
- Recognition Projects for Respiratory Therapists and Medical Technologists: From January 21, 2025.
Ontario
- Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP): From January 21, 2025.
Manitoba
- Nurse Re-Entry Program (Red River College Polytechnic): From January 21, 2025.
British Columbia
- Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (University of British Columbia).
- Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) (University of British Columbia).
- Post-Degree Diploma: Nursing Practice in Canada (Langara College): All from January 21, 2025.
Employers who have been found non-compliant
Employers who have been found non-compliant – Canada.ca
Documents Needed for Application
Your spouse or common-law partner must provide:
- Proof of Your Enrollment in a Program:
- A valid letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI).
- A proof of enrollment letter from your DLI.
- Transcripts from your current program.
- Proof of Program Eligibility:
- A letter from the province or territory confirming participation.
- A letter of acceptance from a participating DLI.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage certificate or other valid documentation showing the relationship to you.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools
To apply online, ensure they have:
- A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of their documents.
- A valid credit or debit card for fee payments.
Step 2: Review the Instruction Guide
Before starting the application, carefully read the instruction guide provided by the Government of Canada. This guide explains how to complete each field on the application form.
Step 3: Answer Questions for the Online Tool
Your spouse or partner will answer a series of questions to generate a personalized document checklist tailored to their circumstances.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
Application fees typically include processing fees for the applicant and any additional individuals included in the application.
Step 5: Create or Sign Into an Online Account
An online account is required to:
- Submit the application.
- Pay fees.
- Check the application status.
If Online Application is Not Possible
If your spouse or partner cannot apply online due to technical issues, alternative instructions are available on the official website.
Extending an Open Work Permit
Your spouse or common-law partner can extend their open work permit if:
- You hold a valid study permit.
- You are physically present in Canada.
- You are a full-time student enrolled in a program eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- You are not in the final term of your study program.
Note: The extension cannot exceed the validity period of your study permit.
Documents Needed for Extension
To extend the permit, they must provide:
- Proof that you are a full-time student (letter of enrollment from your DLI, transcripts, and a copy of your study permit).
Key Points to Remember
- Ensure all required documents are accurate and up to date.
- Check eligibility based on the most recent updates.
- Start the application process early to avoid delays.
By following this guide, your spouse or common-law partner can successfully apply for or extend their open work permit, enabling them to work and support your journey as an international student in Canada.
Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada – Canada.ca