Spouse Open Work Permit

Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students with a valid study permit may apply for an open work permit. An open work permit will enable the spouse or common-law partner of the international student to work. Your spouse/partner will not require a job offer to apply, and his/her permit will be valid for the same period as your study permit. This is an excellent way for your spouse or your common-law partner to connect with the local community, gain valuable work experience and earn extra money. Your spouse or your common-law partner can apply for a work permit after you arrive to Canada. It is also possible to apply for the spouse/common-law partner work permit at the same time as applying for your initial study permit outside of Canada. Your minor child/children may also study without a study permit at the preschool, primary, or secondary level. Please note children accompanying an adult who is in Canada on a work or study permit may study in Canada without a study permit at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels.

Eligibility Criteria For A Spousal Open Work Permit

You can apply for a spousal open work permit if your spouse is an Indian national studying or working temporarily in Canada. The selection criteria for the spouse in India are many including:

• Should be the spouse of a skilled Indian worker approved to work in Canada for more than six months in National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code of 0, A or B
• Be the spouse of an Indian student studying at a post-secondary public school
• Copy of your spouse’s open work permit to be attached
• Letter from your spouse’s current employer confirming their employment in the specified NOC codes or a copy of their employment letter
• Copy of last few months’ payslips of your spouse

It is to be noted that once successfully approved, your permit will be valid only as long as your spouse’s permit is valid.

General eligibility requirements of a work permit need to be met as well. The additional requirements include:

• Demonstrate that once your work permit expires, you will exit Canada
• Possess and show proof of sufficient financial resources to maintain yourself while in Canada
• Adhere to Canadian laws and provide a police clearance certificate
• Never endanger the security of Canada and its people
• Possess good health and provide a clear medical examination report
• Never seek employment with an ‘ineligible employer’ who fails to comply with the conditions
• Never seek employment with a Canadian employer offering striptease, escort services and massages
• Provide a copy of any document as asked by the immigration department