Savanna Hoffman
Canada's immigration policy allows spouses of international students to accompany them and work in Canada. The spouse of an international student may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada without requiring a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, it's important to note that eligibility criteria and requirements may vary based on the student's program and level of study. For example, spouses of international students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs are more likely to be eligible for open work permits, while spouses of undergraduate students may not be eligible. Spouses can also apply for work permits specific to an employer, which may require an LMIA. International students can include their spouses on their applications for a Canadian study permit, but they must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international student spouse work in Canada? | Yes, in most cases, the spouse or common-law partner of an international student can work in Canada. |
| Work permit requirement for the spouse | Yes, in most cases, the spouse needs a work permit. |
| Work permit type | The spouse can apply for an open work permit. |
| Work permit application time | The work permit application can be made before entering Canada, upon arrival, or after entering the country. |
| Work permit validity | The work permit is usually valid for the same duration as the student's study permit. |
| Work permit cost | The Immigration Canada application fee is $155 + a new $100 fee (as of Feb 2015) = $255. |
| Additional documentation required | Proof of medical exam (if applicable), marriage license/certificate (translated in English or French), or proof of common-law partnership. |
| Student permit type | The international student must have a valid study permit. |
| Student program type | The student must be enrolled in a qualifying graduate program (master's or doctoral degree program) for the spouse to be eligible for an open work permit. Undergraduate programs do not qualify. |
| Student permit validity | The student's study permit must be valid for the spouse to be eligible for a work permit. |
| Student program duration | The master's degree program must be 16 months or longer for the spouse to be eligible for an open work permit. |
| Impact on approval chances | Including a spouse in the application may increase the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). |
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What You'll Learn
- Spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs are eligible for open work permits
- Spouses of undergraduate students are not eligible for open work permits
- Spouses can apply for their own work permits
- Spouses can apply for open work permits at the airport upon arrival in Canada
- Including a spouse in an application to Express Entry can increase a student's CRS score
Spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs are eligible for open work permits
Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows the spouses of international students to accompany them and work in the country. The spouse of an international student enrolled in a master's or doctoral program is eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to accept employment with any employer in Canada. This is also applicable to students enrolled in certain professional degree programs at a university.
To be eligible, the international student must be enrolled full-time and have a valid study permit. The master's degree program must be 16 months or longer, and the doctoral degree program must be undertaken at a university or polytechnic institution. The spouse will not require a job offer to apply for their open work permit and their permit will be valid for the same period as the student's study permit.
Spouses of international students can apply for an open work permit before entering the country, upon arrival, or after entering Canada. They must be TRV-exempt, meaning they do not require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. The application process requires supporting documents, including proof of a medical exam (if applicable), a marriage license or certificate, and proof of common-law partnership.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students to obtain open work permits have undergone changes. While spouses of master's and doctoral students are eligible, spouses of most undergraduate students are no longer eligible for open work permits under the new rules.
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Spouses of undergraduate students are not eligible for open work permits
Generally, in Canada, spouses or common-law partners can work, but they usually need a work permit. In some cases, they can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer without requiring a job offer.
However, the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students who are eligible for an open work permit have been modified. Spouses of international students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs are eligible for open work permits, provided the program is at least 16 months long. On the other hand, spouses of undergraduate students, except for those enrolled in professional programs, are not eligible for open work permits under the new rules. This means that while a spouse can accompany an international undergraduate student to Canada, their ability to work depends on their specific visa status and whether they need a work permit for a particular employer.
It is important to note that if a relationship does not qualify as a common-law partnership or if the couple is not married, they are not eligible to apply for a dependent visa. In such cases, the partner would need a temporary resident visa, visitor visa, or work permit to enter Canada, depending on their intentions. If they do not plan to work or study, a temporary resident visa is required.
Spouses of undergraduate students who are not eligible for open work permits can explore other visa options to accompany their student partner to Canada. They can apply for the appropriate visa based on their specific circumstances and intentions during their stay in Canada.
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Spouses can apply for their own work permits
In most cases, the spouse or common-law partner of an international student in Canada can work in Canada. However, they will usually need a work permit to do so. Spouses can apply for their own work permits, and in some cases, they may be able to apply for an open work permit. This allows them to accept any job with any employer. Alternatively, they may need to apply for a work permit for a specific employer, in which case the employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The spouse of an international student can apply for an open work permit if the student is enrolled in a qualifying graduate program. This includes master's and doctoral programs that are at least 16 months long, as well as certain professional degree programs. The student must also be studying full-time and have a valid study permit.
It is important to note that spouses of most undergraduate students are no longer eligible for open work permits under the new rules.
Spouses can apply for an open work permit before entering Canada, upon arrival, or after entering the country. If they are TRV-exempt (not requiring a Temporary Resident Visa), they may be able to apply at the Port of Entry upon arrival. However, as of December 23, 2024, applying for a work permit at the land border is prohibited, so it is recommended to apply online from inside Canada before their visitor status expires.
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Spouses can apply for open work permits at the airport upon arrival in Canada
Spouses of international students in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to be accompanied by their spouses or common-law partners. The spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer. This is available to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs that are at least 16 months long. However, spouses of undergraduate students are generally not eligible for open work permits.
Applying for an open work permit
Spouses can apply for an open work permit before entering Canada, upon arrival, or after entering the country. If the spouse is a foreign national who does not require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, they may be able to apply for an open work permit at the airport upon arrival. This is because, as of December 23, 2024, applying for a work permit at a land border is prohibited. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for the open work permit online from inside Canada before the spouse's visitor status expires.
Required documents
The spouse will need to provide the following supporting documents when applying for an open work permit:
- Proof of a medical exam (if applicable)
- Marriage License/Certificate (translated into English or French) or proof of common-law partnership
- Valid study permit of the international student
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Including a spouse in an application to Express Entry can increase a student's CRS score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to assess and score profiles in the Express Entry pool. The system evaluates and ranks all profiles, assigning a CRS score out of 1200 points to each candidate. The CRS score is calculated differently depending on whether or not you are applying with a spouse or partner.
If your spouse has been living and working in Canada while you study, including them in your submission to Express Entry may increase your CRS score. Your spouse's language results may also help to increase your CRS score and improve your chances of being selected. Additionally, including your spouse in your application can double your chances of receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply for permanent residence). This is because both you and your spouse can submit profiles to the Express Entry pool. Your partner’s experience may make them eligible to submit an expression of interest to Express Entry as a principal applicant.
It is important to note that if your spouse accompanies you to Canada, they will usually need a work permit to work there. They must apply for their own work permit, which may be an open work permit or for a specific employer. In the latter case, the employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
If you are an international student with a study permit, you can extend invitations to your parents for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This enables them to visit Canada and stay for up to six months.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the spouse of an international student can work in Canada if they have an open work permit.
An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada and does not require a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The spouse can apply for an open work permit before entering the country, upon arrival, or after entering the country. They must be TRV-exempt, meaning they do not need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The spouse of an international student will also need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of a medical exam (if applicable), a marriage license/certificate, or proof of common-law partnership.
Yes, the international student must be enrolled in a qualifying graduate program, such as a master's or doctoral degree program, and have a valid study permit.
