Can My Spouse Get an Open Work Permit if I'm Working in Canada?
Possibly. Since January 2025, only some spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers qualify. Your spouse may be eligible if you work in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation and your work permit is valid for at least 16 more months. Spouses may also qualify if you've applied for PR through an eligible economic program (or are on certain PR pathways) and your permit has at least 6 months left. Dependent children are no longer eligible under this measure.
The main ways a spouse can qualify
| Your situation (the worker) | Your work permit must be valid for | Spouse eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Working in a TEER 0 (management) or TEER 1 (professional) job | At least 16 months after IRCC receives your spouse's application | Yes, if other rules are met |
| Working in a select TEER 2 or 3 job on IRCC's list | At least 16 months | Yes, if your occupation is on the list |
| You applied for PR through an eligible economic program (CEC, FSW, FST, PNP, AIP, RCIP, FCIP and others), and your work permit was issued because of that application | At least 6 months | Yes |
| TEER 4 or 5 job, on an eligible PR pathway but not applied yet (for example PNP or AIP) | At least 6 months | Yes |
| TEER 4 or 5 job, not on a PR pathway | — | No new open work permit (can extend an existing one) |
What you (the worker) need
- A valid work permit, an approval for one, or authorization to work without a permit.
- You're living, or plan to live, in Canada while working.
- You're employed, or will be employed, in an eligible occupation.
If you're an international student with a study permit, your spouse can't use the high-skilled worker category. Students working off campus without a work permit, or in a co-op program, can't use the PR-pathway categories either.
What your spouse needs
- To meet the general work permit requirements.
- A genuine relationship with you.
- If in Canada: valid status, an extension applied for before expiry, or eligibility to restore status.
How do I check my TEER?
Look up your job's National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. The second digit of the 5-digit code is the TEER (for example, 21231 is TEER 1). For TEER 2 and 3, your exact NOC code must appear on IRCC's list of select occupations.
How long will my spouse's permit be?
IRCC won't issue it past the expiry of your work permit, or past your spouse's passport or biometrics validity. In practice, it usually ends when your permit ends.
What about our children?
Since January 21, 2025, dependent children are no longer eligible for an open work permit under this measure. Children already in Canada with a permit from this measure may be able to extend it.
Common mistakes we see
- Applying too late. If your permit has less than 16 months left, the high-skilled category won't work.
- Assuming any TEER 2 or 3 job counts. Only the listed NOC codes qualify.
- Using the job title, not the NOC duties. Your actual duties decide your NOC.
- Missing the PR pathway option. If you've applied for PR, the 6-month rule may help.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse get an open work permit if I work in Canada?
Possibly. Your spouse may qualify if you work in a TEER 0 or 1 job or a select TEER 2 or 3 job with at least 16 months left on your permit, or if you've applied for PR through an eligible economic program with at least 6 months left.
Is TEER 1 eligible for a spousal open work permit?
Yes. Any TEER 0 (management) or TEER 1 (professional) occupation is eligible, if the other requirements are met.
How many months must be left on my work permit?
At least 16 months after IRCC receives your spouse's application under the high-skilled category, or at least 6 months under the PR-pathway categories.
Can my children get open work permits too?
No. Since January 21, 2025, dependent children are no longer eligible under this measure, though some may extend an existing permit.
Can my spouse get an open work permit if I'm a low-skilled worker?
Only if you're on an eligible PR pathway or have applied for PR through an eligible program. Otherwise, no new open work permit is available.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's Open work permits for family members of foreign workers: Who can apply page (last modified June 12, 2026). Special rules apply for BC significant investment projects, Quebec-recruited health professionals and some free trade agreements. Verified November 5, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca