Spousal Work Permit in Canada 2025: A Complete Guide
Looking to apply for a Spousal Work Permit in Canada and unsure where to go? You are in the right place.
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job. A spousal open work permit is especially beneficial for couples who want to grow professionally while living together in Canada. The spousal work permit in Canada remains valid as long as the spouse’s status (as a worker or student) is valid. You can apply to extend the spousal work permit in Canada based on the validity of the main applicant’s study or work permit.
To be eligible for a spousal open work permit, you must have a genuine relationship with the person sponsoring you. This permit offers flexibility, as it is not employer-specific you are free to work for any employer of your choice. However, you are not eligible for an open work permit if your application for permanent residence has been refused.
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Eligibility Requirements For Spousal Work Permit in Canada
The spouse or the common law partner of the main applicant should meet the eligibility criteria for a spousal work permit in Canada. If you want to apply for the spousal open work permit, you should be in a genuine relationship with the main applicant. The following are the complete details of the requirements for a spousal work permit.
Open work permit for the family members of students
Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for a spousal work permit in Canada if you have a valid study program. According to the latest news, only students in selected study programs can apply for a spousal work permit in Canada. Your spouse can apply for a spousal work permit if you are studying a
- Master’s Degree Program of 16 months duration or longer
- A doctoral degree program
- Another eligible program
- Or a professional Degree program
- Or studying in one of the following professional degree programs at a university:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
Also, make sure that your institution has the status of a Designated Learning Institute in Canada. That means the provincial or territorial Government has approved the institution to host international students.
Open work permit for the family members of skilled workers
According to the latest news, eligibility requirements for open work permits for the families of workers have changed. According to the spousal open work permit new rules, your family member’s eligibility depends on what type of worker you are in Canada. An open work permit will be issued to the spouses of those workers who are employed in the following categories.
- Any highly skilled occupation in TEER 0 (Management Occupations like public relations managers or corporate executives.
- TEER 1 ( Occupations that usually require a university degree, like medicine, engineering, law, or software engineering)
- TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations in natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and the military sector.
- Also, the foreign worker must be left with a minimum of 16 months of work permit while applying for a spousal open work permit in Canada.
The Government of Canada will continue to process the applications for Spouse open work permits received before 21 January 2025 according to previous rules. However, new rules will apply to the applications received after the date. If your work permit was approved before the date and has not expired yet, it will stay valid. For more information and details on spousal work permit in Canada, you can check the IRCC website.
If your spouse is not eligible for this work permit, they can apply for another type of work permit.
- Employer-specific work permit
- Open Work permit
Documents required for Spousal work permit in Canada
To apply for a spousal open work permit in Canada, you must submit several important documents. The exact documents required may vary depending on the category you are applying under.
Here is a spousal open work permit documents checklist.
Completed Application Forms:
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IMM 1295 – Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada
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IMM 5645 – Family Information Form
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IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative (if you’re using a consultant or lawyer)
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Any other applicable forms, depending on your specific situation
Proof of Relationship:
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Marriage certificate or
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Evidence of a common-law relationship
Main Applicant’s Information:
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A copy of the main applicant’s work permit or study permit (if applicable)
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Proof of current employment (such as an employment letter)
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Recent pay stubs
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Enrollment letter from a recognized institution (if the main applicant is an international student)
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Proof of academic progress, such as a transcript or study report
Other Documents (if required):
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Medical examination results, if requested by immigration authorities
How to Apply?
Follow these steps to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Note: If you are sponsoring a child through intercountry adoption or an orphaned family member, different rules will apply.
Step 1: Create an Account or Sign In
There are two applications involved:
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Sponsorship Application – You apply to become a sponsor.
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Permanent Residence Application – Your spouse, partner, or child applies to become a permanent resident.
The principal applicant (the person you’re sponsoring) must submit both applications together online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.
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Step 2: Get Your Forms and Documents Ready
Use your application package to:
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Access the document checklist for yourself and the people you’re sponsoring
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Download all required forms
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Follow country-specific instructions based on where your sponsored family members live
Photo Requirements:
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Each applicant must provide one photo
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Scan and upload both sides of the photo using the online instructions
Step 3: Pay Your Application Fees
Application Fees:
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Sponsoring a spouse or partner: From $1,205
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Sponsoring a child: From $170
You must pay your spousal open work permit fees online and include the payment receipt in your application.
Types of Fees:
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Processing fees – For you, the person you’re sponsoring, and their dependents
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Right of Permanent Residence Fee – Must be paid before final approval
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Biometrics fee – Usually required for fingerprints and a photo
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Other fees – May include:
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Medical exams
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Police certificates
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If you live in Quebec, additional requirements apply.
Step 4: Submit the Completed Application
Before submitting, make sure the principal applicant:
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Answer all questions on the forms
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Signs the application electronically (type full name as shown on their passport)
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Upload all supporting documents
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Includes the fee receipt
Important: Incomplete applications will be rejected. You’ll need to correct the issues and re-submit.
Step 5: Track Your Application
Once your application is received, you’ll get an Acknowledgment of Receipt with an application number. You and the person you’re sponsoring can use this to track and update the application online.
New Rules for Spousal Work Permit in Canada
The Government of Canada keeps evolving its immigration policies. The most noticeable change is the spousal work permit changes starting from January 2025. Spousal open work permit new rules state that the ability to obtain an open work permit has been confined to specific and common-law partners of foreign workers. Also, your dependent child or their dependent is no longer eligible to apply for this category. The Government has made this change in policy due to the rising number of foreigners in Canada.
Processing Time of Spousal Work Permit in Canada
A common concern among foreign workers or students is “How long does a spousal open work permit in Canada take?” If you have applied, you can check your application status by logging in to your IRCC account. However, the processing time for a spousal work permit in Canada may vary depending on the location and scenario. This period differs depending on whether the application is submitted from within Canada or outside of Canada.
- It may take 4-5 months for inland applicants
- It may take 6-12 months for outland applicants
You can facilitate the application processing time by providing complete and accurate information. Ensure the accuracy and completion of all the documents. Carefully follow the instructions if asked for biometrics and medical checkups. Keep checking the application status. Keep yourself abreast of the changes in the policies made by the Government of Canada.
Spousal Work Permit Extension
You can apply for the extension of the spousal work permit in Canada if your partner’s work permit or study permit is still valid. You have to re-apply for a spousal work permit following the same procedure. This includes the same requirements, such as showing a genuine relationship with the main applicant and meeting the general eligibility requirements for a spousal open work permit.
Applications can be made through the IRCC online portal using the application form (IMM5710).
If your spouse is a student, make sure their institution is DLI-approved. And if they are working in Canada, provide proof that they are doing a skilled job (TEER 0, 1,2,3). If your previous biometrics are valid, you don’t need to give them again.
You should apply for the extension at least thirty days before the previous permit expiration. If you apply before expiry, you can work and live under the implied status. That means applicants can live and work freely when their application is being processed. However, the main applicant (your partner) must hold a valid study or work permit during this period.
In case your partner applies for a study or work permit extension, you should also go for an extension.
Book a Free Consultation at Canada Shaws
Canada offers a set of dynamic immigration programs. It offers more than 100 immigration programs. If you are not sure which immigration program is best for you or have more queries, we can help you get connected with our experts, who can provide you with a complete guide. Our consultants are licensed by Canadian Immigration.
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Conclusion:
The Government of Canada offers an amazing opportunity through spousal work permit in Canada to spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers and students who want to live and work together. In order to ensure the successful approval of an application, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria, submit the right and complete documents, and follow the full process according to instructions.
With the recent changes made by the Government to obtain a spousal work permit in Canada, it is important to stay updated with the new policies. It can affect your application approval depending on your partner’s level of study or work. For example, you can be declared ineligible if your partner is enrolled in a non-degree program.
As for timings, it depends on the fact if you are an inland or outland applicant. Your application processing time will vary according to your location.
Spousal work permit in Canada is more than a permit. It is a route to professional growth and personal growth, as well as to building family life together. This is a step by the Canadian Government to support family togetherness, economic development, and the integration of couples into Canadian society. It smoothes the path for those couples who plan to settle in Canada in the future.
If you need a complete guide and want to ensure that your application process is complete, accurate, and aligned with the latest policies, you can consult our team. Our team at Canada Shaws has resolved thousands of successful cases through our professional service.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1- What are the new rules for spousal work permit in Canada?
According to the new rules, applicable since Jan 2025, spouse open work permits have been limited to the spouses of only those workers who are employed in TEER 0 or occupations or TEER 3 or TEER 4 occupations in sectors with worker shortages.
2- What is the application processing time for a spousal work permit in Canada?
Application processing time varies according to the category. The application processing time for inland applicants is 4-5 months, and for outland applicants, the application processing time is 6-12 months.
3-How much is the bank balance required for a spousal work permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada mandates no specific amount. However, you must be able to prove that you can finance your family’s stay in Canada. So, it is important to demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
