For years, the spouse of almost any international student could get an open work permit. That changed in 2025, and the rules are now much narrower. If you’re studying in Canada (or planning to) and want your spouse to work, here’s exactly where things stand.
The key change (effective January 21, 2025)
As of January 21, 2025, a spousal open work permit is no longer available to the partner of every international student. Eligibility is now limited to spouses of students enrolled in specific, higher-level programs.
Broadly, your spouse may be eligible for a spousal open work permit if you hold a valid study permit and you’re enrolled in:
- a master’s program of 16 months or longer,
- a doctoral (PhD) program, or
- a select professional degree program — for example Medicine (MD), Dentistry (DDS/DMD), Law (JD/LLB), Pharmacy (PharmD), Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Optometry (OD), nursing degrees (BScN/BSN), Education (BEd), or Engineering (BEng) — plus certain other eligible programs.
If you’re in a shorter master’s, a college diploma, an undergraduate program outside those professional categories, or a language program, your spouse generally won’t qualify for the spousal open work permit under the current rules.
What if your spouse doesn’t qualify?
Not being eligible for a spousal open work permit doesn’t always mean no work at all. Your spouse may still be able to pursue:
- Another type of work permit they qualify for in their own right — for example, an employer-specific work permit backed by a job offer and LMIA, or an LMIA-exempt category.
- A work permit based on their own profile, independent of your study permit.
The path depends entirely on the specific facts, so it’s worth assessing properly rather than assuming the door is closed.
How long the permit lasts
When a spouse is eligible, their open work permit is usually valid for the same period as your study permit — and renewals are tied to your continued eligibility and enrolment.
Plan study choices around this
This rule change is a real reason to choose your program carefully. If having your spouse work in Canada matters to your family’s finances, the level and type of program you enrol in now directly affects their eligibility. Factor that in before you commit to a school.
Confirm your family’s options
The 2025 changes catch many families off guard. If you want certainty about whether your spouse qualifies — and what the alternatives are if they don’t — book a consultation and we’ll map it out for your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work while I study in Canada? Only if you’re in an eligible program. As of January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits are limited to spouses of students in master’s programs of 16+ months, doctoral programs, or select professional degree programs.
My program doesn’t qualify — can my spouse still work? Possibly, through a different work permit in their own right — such as an employer-specific (LMIA-based) or LMIA-exempt permit. It depends on their individual profile and job offer.
How long is a spousal open work permit valid? Typically for the same period as the student’s study permit, with renewals tied to continued enrolment and eligibility.