Anyone with a temporary residence visa in Canada can invite his or her spouse to work in the country. It grants spouses and common-law partners the right to work in Canada. If your spouse presently has a study or work permit, you may be eligible for an Open Spousal Work Permit.

Spouse or common-law partner

• Either spouse or partner can apply to enter Canada as a visitor if they are currently residing outside of Canada. If the application is granted, the spouse or partner will be able to enter Canada as a guest. Once in Canada as a guest, the spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit online or in person at an IRCC office. If the application is granted, the spouse/partner will be awarded an open work visa and will be able to work in Canada.
• A spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit outside of Canada at a visa office. If the application is accepted, the spouse/partner will receive a Letter of Introduction for a Work Permit as well as a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (if required). A spouse or partner is allowed to enter Canada and begin working.

The following spouse or common-law partner presently resides in Canada:

• If the spouse or partner is a guest in Canada, they can apply for an open work visa online or in person at an IRCC office in Canada. If the application is granted, the spouse or partner will be awarded an open work visa and can begin working.

Criteria for Eligibility

If you are the spouse of a skilled worker in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill category 0, A, or B permitted to work in Canada for six months or more, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

• Spouse of someone applying for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program in a NOC 0, A, B, or C employment.
• Spouse of a foreign student enrolled in a public post-secondary school in Quebec, such as a college, or university.
• If the client’s spouse has an open work permit (e.g., a post-graduation work permit), they must attach a copy of their spouse’s work permit to the application for an open work permit, along with:
• A letter from their spouse’s current employer confirming that they work in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation, or a copy of your spouse’s employment offer or contract.
• A copy of their spouse’s recent pay slips.