Canada← All requirements
Work
Spousal / Family Open Work Permit
An open work permit for the spouse or partner of an eligible worker or student in Canada.
Who this is for
- Your spouse holds a Canadian work permit in an eligible occupation
- Your spouse is studying in an eligible programme
- You are being sponsored for PR and are already in Canada
Eligibility at a glance
- A genuine marriage or common-law partnership
- Your spouse holds qualifying status with enough time remaining
- Your spouse's occupation or programme falls within the eligible categories
- You are admissible to Canada
This is a summary of the requirements, not legal advice. Requirements change, so always check the official IRCC page before you apply.
Documents you will need
The guide explains every one, and what a good version looks like.
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law partnership
RequiredSpouse's work or study permit
RequiredSpouse's employment letter and pay slips
RequiredRelationship evidence — photos, communication, joint documents
RequiredPassport bio page
RequiredHow long it takes, by country
IRCC service standard for this service is 17 weeks. Published figures move weekly.
| Applying from | Current processing time |
|---|---|
| I am already in Canada | 17 weeks |
Questions people actually ask
Eligibility narrowed recently — do I still qualify?
Spousal open work permits are now limited to spouses of workers in certain occupation categories and students in certain programmes. This is exactly the check the eligibility wizard runs.