Open Work Permit for International Student Couples in Canada 2025

According to a recent publication by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as of January 21, 2025, the open work permit for family members of international students will be available to a specific group of international students and not to all, as was the case prior to the change in the law. 

In this article, I will address important facts about the affected and unaffected student group after the law change and how to obtain the open work permit for the partner. Read with me to the end so that you are aware of the study programs that apply to bring your partner to Canada. Let's get started.

‍

‍

Changes to the open work permit for international student couples

‍

As part of broader measures introduced in September 2024 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding Open Work Permits for Family Members (OWP), they will now only be able to apply for this permit:

‍

‍1. Spouses of international students enrolled in:

• Master's degree programs with a duration of 16 months or more.
• Doctoral programs.
• Selected professional and eligible programs.

‍

‍

Who is not affected by the change?

‍

• To persons who applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and have already been approved.
• To students who applied for a PGWP and are waiting for the document.
• To persons who applied before January 21, 2025.

‍

‍

What is the impact on students?

‍

These changes impact students who are not yet in Canada but want to come to study. In this case, if you would like your partner or spouse to accompany you on an open work permit to help you financially while you pursue your international studies, then you must be enrolled in one of the following programs: 

‍

1. Master's degree of 16 months or more.
2. Doctorates or PhD.
3. Professional and eligible programs. 

‍

You must study in one of the following professional degree programs at a university:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Law Degree 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 Science in Nursing (BNSc)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BN)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)

‍

They are eligible: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/help-your-spouse-common-law-partner-work-canada.html#pilot-programs

‍

Students must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution and meet certain academic requirements for their family members to be eligible for these work permits.

‍

‍

What documents does the international student's partner need?

‍

To prove enrollment in a study program, your spouse or domestic partner must submit one of the following documents:

‍

• Valid letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Proof of enrollment letter from DLI.
• Transcripts of the current program.
• In addition, if applicable, they must provide proof of participation or enrollment in eligible programs, such as:

Chart of the province or territory.

Letter of acceptance from a participating DLI indicating admission to the program.

Additional documents proving the relationship with the student will also be required.

‍

‍

How long does the open work permit last?

‍

Your spouse's or domestic partner's work permit will generally be valid for the same period as your study permit.

‍

It is important that you select the right study program to take advantage of the opportunity to travel with your partner, taking into account that in Canada it is very important to maintain the logical thread of your previous studies. See complementary video on Immiland's Youtube channel.

‍

I hope this information will be useful to you and that you will be able to plan your studies in Canada in time. If you would like to clarify doubts about the academic program that best suits your profile, I recommend a vocational counseling with our Immiland Education department. You can write us here or schedule the nearest appointment in this link: https://www.immilandcanada.com/educacion/asesoria-vocacional

‍

If you would like to schedule an immigration appointment with an Immiland regulated consultant, you can do so here.

‍

Thank you for reading us. Stay tuned for updates on immigration news. See you in the next blog.

‍

With love, 

‍

Immiland Canada