Getting Canadian PR is an involved process that can take months or even years. The last thing you probably want to think about is work permit for your spouse in Canada. But it’s important to know since it could affect whole application process.

A work permit for spouse is required by those seeking to implement their rights in Canada. This article describes how one can get a spouse work permit from CIC.

If you’re considering moving to Canada (or already live in Canada), you might be wondering about the process of getting a work permit for you spouse. It’s actually pretty straightforward, although there are a few caveats which I’ll get into below.

You’re probably wondering if it is indeed possible to have a work permit under the Family Class. The answer is most definitely YES! Citizenship and Immigration Canada has recently altered the visa programs so simply being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident will not be enough to obtain a work permit anymore.

How To Get Work Permit For Spouse In Canada

After you have landed your spouse a job offer in Canada, you will have to go through the work permit process. Even if your Canadian employer is willing to hire one of their own staff and pay the applicable HST/GST, it is unlikely that they can do any actual hiring. This is because these taxes apply to the employee potentially as well (if the employee is considered a full-time employee) and whether an expatriate on a work permit is considered a full-time employee or not, it doesn’t really matter…the employer is likely going to be avoiding these sales taxes.

Work permit for spouse/partner

• Immigration Information
• Studying in Canada
• Working in Canada
• Staying in Canada
• Family members
  • Temporary Resident Visas
  • Work permit for spouse/partner
  • Study Permits for dependents
  • Family Invitation

HELPFUL LINKS

• Find a physician for your medical exam
• Prepare for work in Canada
• Get your credentials assessed
• Immigrant services in the Halifax area

HELPFUL GUIDES

Download these pdf guides to help you fill out your Spousal Work Permit application forms and help answer the online eligibility questionaire 

• Spousal Work Permit IMM5710 form guide (91KB)
• Spousal Work Permit Eligibility Questionaire Guide (120KB)

If you are an international student bringing your spouse or partner with you to Canada, they may be eligible for an open work permit that will allow them to work on or off campus full-time while you study.

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. It allows your spouse or common-law partner to accept any job with any employer. If your spouse or partner gets an open work permit, it is normally valid for the same period as your study permits. In some cases, your spouse or common-law partner will need a medical exam.

Who is eligible? 
If you are an international student studying full-time and have a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit. 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.

When should you apply?
Your spouse/partner can apply for a work permit before or after they arrive in Canada. The work permit will usually be issued for the same length of time as your study permit. Your spouse/partner does not need a job offer to apply for a work permit.

In some cases, Canadian visa offices abroad will process spouse/partner work permit applications at the same time as study permit applications. In this case, you will need to include the additional fee for the work permit and complete the work permit application for your spouse/partner, available from the website of the consulate.

Most spouse/partners come to Canada as visitors first and apply for a work permit after they are in Canada. If your spouse or partner does not require a TRV, they may be able to apply for a work permit at the border or airport where they enter Canada.

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE

Step 1: Log into my IRCC through GCKey or Sign-in partner

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply for visitor visa or study/work permit’

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and gather supporting documentation

Step 4: Pay the application fee

 

Work Permit Conditions

Work permits issued by IRCC may be subject to restrictions. International students who were not required to undergo an immigration medical examination before coming to Canada may be subject to the following occupation/workplace restrictions that require an immigration medical examination:

• health care setting
• child care
• primary and secondary educational facilities