Work Options For Spouses Of International Students In Canada

International students in Canada can bring their spouses with them, and these spouses may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. This permit allows them to work for almost any employer in Canada, without needing a job offer. The processing time for a Canadian open work permit is approximately 52 weeks if the spouse is outside Canada, and 134 days if they are already in the country. Spouses of international students can apply for a work permit at the same time as the student applies for their study permit, or separately after the student has arrived.

Spouses of international students may be eligible for an open work permit

Spouses of international students in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada. This is a great opportunity for spouses to gain work experience and contribute to their family's financial stability while their partner pursues their studies. Here are some key points about the open work permit for spouses of international students:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for an open work permit, the spouse must be married or in a common-law relationship with the international student. Additionally, the international student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer, or a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI). It's important to note that the student should not be in the last term of their study program.

Application Process:

The application process for an open work permit can be done online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The international student can initiate the application and download the package, which includes the IMM 5710 form. The spouse will need to provide specific documents, such as proof of the student's enrolment in a program of study, and there is also an application fee of $255 CAD. The processing time for a spousal open work permit is approximately 52 weeks if the spouse is outside Canada, and 134 days for spouses applying from inside Canada.

Work Permit Validity:

The open work permit for spouses of international students is typically valid for the same duration as the student's study permit. It allows the spouse to work for any employer in Canada, except for those listed as ineligible or those offering certain restricted services, such as erotic dances or escort services. The work permit does not require a specific job offer, providing flexibility for the spouse to seek employment opportunities that match their skills and interests.

Additional Considerations:

It's important to note that the spouse of an international student cannot study under the open work permit. If they wish to pursue studies in Canada, they must apply for a separate study permit. Additionally, the spouse may need to obtain private temporary health insurance for at least the first three months of their stay in Canada and provide documentation proving their ties to their home country.

Spouses can apply for a work permit after the international student's classes have started

Spouses of international students in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada. This is a great option, as the spouse won't need a job offer to start working in Canada on a temporary work permit.

To be eligible, the international student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer. The student must also be physically present in Canada while studying and not in the last term of their study program.

If the international student meets these criteria, their spouse can apply for a spousal open work permit. This application can be made after the international student's classes have started. The current processing time for a spousal open work permit is approximately 52 weeks if the spouse is outside Canada, and 134 days for spouses applying from inside Canada. The application fee is $255 CAD, and the spouse will receive their open work permit document in the mail if approved.

It is important to note that the spousal open work permit may exclude certain occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, unless a medical examination is provided. The permit is usually valid for the same duration as the student's study permit.

Spouses can work for any Canadian employer over a specified period without a job offer

Spouses of international students in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer over a specified period without a job offer. This is a great option for spouses who wish to work in Canada, as it provides flexibility and opportunities to gain Canadian work experience.

To be eligible for an open work permit, the international student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer, or a full-time PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI). Additionally, the student must not be in the last term of their study program. The spouse must provide proof of the student's enrolment in a program of study, such as a valid letter of acceptance or proof of full-time student status.

The application process for an open work permit for a spouse of an international student involves visiting the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and completing the online application. The applicant will need to answer questions and create a personalized document checklist. The required documents include proof of enrolment in a program of study, and the application fee is $255 CAD. The processing time for a spousal open work permit is approximately 52 weeks if the spouse is outside Canada and 134 days for spouses applying from inside Canada.

It is important to note that the open work permit may exclude certain occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, unless a medical examination is provided. Additionally, the spousal open work permit is typically valid for the same duration as the student's study permit. If the spouse already has an open work permit and wishes to extend it, they must meet the eligibility criteria, including providing proof of the student's continued enrolment and ensuring their permit does not exceed the expiration date of the student's study permit.

The option for spouses of international students to obtain an open work permit in Canada provides flexibility and opportunities for those seeking to work in the country. It allows spouses to gain valuable Canadian work experience and contribute financially to their families during their stay.

Spouses may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a travel document that is placed in your passport and is used to enter or re-enter Canada. It is important to note that a TRV does not give any status within Canada and is usually issued for the same duration as your study or work permit. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you will need a TRV to travel to or re-enter the country. On the other hand, if you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. do not require TRVs or eTAs.

If you are an international student with a spouse, they may need to apply for a TRV to enter Canada. The eligibility of your spouse for a TRV depends on several factors, including their citizenship, the purpose of their visit, and their relationship status with you. If your spouse is from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, they will need to obtain a TRV before their departure. They cannot obtain a TRV upon arrival in Canada.

Additionally, your spouse must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. They must also show that they intend to stay in Canada temporarily and have sufficient funds to support themselves and any family members during their stay. If your spouse plans to work in Canada, they may need to obtain a work permit in addition to the TRV.

It is worth noting that the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students who are eligible for an open work permit have changed. This open work permit allows its bearer to work for any employer in Canada and does not require a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, certain occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, may be excluded unless a medical examination is provided.

Spouses can apply for a SOWP, but cannot study in Canada under this permit

Spouses of international students in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada. This is known as a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). A SOWP allows the spouse of an international student to work for any Canadian employer for a specified period without a job offer.

The spouse of an international student can apply for a SOWP after the international student has started their classes. This is because a SOWP is not job-specific and is also applicable for international students in the post-graduate work program. It is important to note that the spouse cannot extend their open work permit beyond the expiration date of the international student's study permit.

To apply for a SOWP, the international student can visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and start an application for a work permit. They can then download the application package and fill out the IMM 5710 form. The applicant must then pay a $255 CAD application fee online and print a receipt to include with their application. If the application is approved, the spouse will receive their open work permit document in the mail.

It is important to note that a spouse of an international student cannot study in Canada under a SOWP. If they wish to study, they must apply for a study permit.

Frequently asked questions