If you are a spouse of someone who is working or studying temporarily in Canada:
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you’re:
• A spouse of someone applying for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program in a job under NOC 0, A, B or C.
• A spouse of A spouse of a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A or B approved to work in Canada six months or longer.
• a foreign student at a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec.
• A family member of a foreign representative, or
• A family member of a foreign military member who is working in Canada.
If your spouse has an open work permit (e.g. post-graduation work permit), you must attach a copy of your spouse’s work permit to your application for an open work permit, along with:
A letter from your spouse’s current employer that confirms they work there in a NOC 0, A or B occupation, or a copy of your spouse’s employment offer or contract, and
• a copy of your spouse’s recent pay slips
• Your permit will not be valid longer than your spouse’s work permit.
You also need to meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
An open work permit will enable the spouse or common-law partner of the international student or work permit holder working in NOC 0, A or B occupation. 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/partner to connect with the local community, gain valuable work experience and earn extra money. Your spouse/partner can apply for a work permit after you arrive to Canada. It is also possible to apply for the spouse/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.
