Are you the spouse or common-law partner of an international student in Canada? Great news! You may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP) that allows you to work for most employers in various industries while supporting your partner's educational journey.

This work permit is valid for the duration of your spouse's study permit and opens the door to many rewarding job opportunities. But how do you know if you qualify? Let's break it down!

Eligibility Snapshot

To apply for an OWP, your partner must be enrolled in an eligible program like:

• Doctoral and Master’s programs (16 months or longer)
• Professional programs like Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, and more.

You also need to be medically and criminally admissible to Canada. So if you’re legally married or have lived together for over 12 months, you’re in!

Application Process

Ready to apply? Here’s how:

1. Read the instruction guide to understand the application process.
2. Create a checklist using IRCC's tool to gather your documents.
3. Set up an account on the IRCC portal and apply online.

Don’t forget: You’ll need proof of your partner’s enrollment in a program leading to a degree and a valid study permit.

Extend Your Work Permit

If you are already working and your partner continues to study, you may qualify to extend your permit. Just ensure they have a valid study permit while studying full-time!

If you have questions or need guidance, consider scheduling a free consultation with an immigration law firm to help navigate the process!