Open Work Permit For Spouse In Canada
If you plan to bring your spouse to Canada, but he/she doesn’t have a degree, then you might want to think about applying for an open work permit.
In the spring of 2014, Canada passed the new Express Entry immigration application management system. In order to be eligible to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, you need to receive a score of at least 67 points or more. You can achieve this by completing either the IELTS exam or the TEF test. It is also possible for your spouse or common-law partner to move with you to Canada even if they do not have any skills or education.
If you are an international student at a Canadian university, or a skilled worker with the Canadian Visa , you can bring your spouse to live in Canada. If your spouse is not eligible to work in Canada, but needs help to stay off welfare payments, you might consider applying for Work Permit for Spouse.
Open Work Permit For Spouse In Canada
You want to move to Canada with your spouse but you may know that this is not an easy process. If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, you will have to meet the country’s criteria.
Work permit for spouse/partner
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
There is a complete list of occupations and Designated Medical Practitioners on the IRCC website.