Open work permit for spouses of foreign workers

Some spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers in Canada can get an open work permit. IRCC calls it a temporary measure.

OpenNarrowed since January 21, 2025: only select spouses or partners can apply, and dependent children no longer can under the main measure.

Who it is for (summary)

The worker usually has a high-skilled job (TEER 0 or 1, or select TEER 2/3 jobs) and a work permit valid for at least 16 more months.
Family of workers in low-wage jobs who aren’t on a path to permanent residence are not eligible (since January 21, 2025).
Not eligible through this measure if the principal is an international student or a PGWP applicant who hasn’t been approved yet.

Step-by-step checklist

0 of 4 done

1. Check if you can applyWhat to expect: IRCC’s eligibility page lists the job types and the special cases added in 2026.
2. Choose when to applyWhat to expect: With the worker’s application or separately, depending on where you are.
3. Apply onlineWhat to expect: Pay the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee.
4. DecisionWhat to expect: IRCC processes the application and tells you in your account.

Documents you usually need

Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate or common-law proof)
Copy of the worker’s work permit and job details
Passport

Government fees

CAD

Work permit	$155
Open work permit holder fee	$100
Biometrics (one person)	$85

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

The permit lets you work for most employers.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

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