About Spousal Work Permits

Spousal work permits allow the spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary residents in Canada to work for any employer without needing a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These open work permits provide flexibility and opportunity for families to work and live together in Canada.

Eligibility Categories

Spouses of Work Permit Holders

For spouses of temporary foreign workers in skilled occupations (NOC 0, A, B)

  • • Principal worker in NOC 0, A, B job
  • • Work permit valid for 6+ months
  • • Full-time employment in Canada

Spouses of International Students

For spouses of full-time students at designated learning institutions

  • • Student enrolled full-time at DLI
  • • Valid study permit
  • • In degree-granting program

Spouses of Permanent Residence Applicants

For spouses of principal applicants in certain permanent residence streams

  • • Sponsored family class
  • • In-Canada spousal sponsorship
  • • Certain economic class applicants

Key Benefits

  • ✓ Open work permit - work for any employer
  • ✓ No job offer required
  • ✓ No LMIA needed
  • ✓ Work in any occupation
  • ✓ Change employers freely
  • ✓ Gain Canadian work experience
  • ✓ Valid for same period as principal applicant
  • ✓ Can be extended

Application Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm principal applicant's status meets requirements for spousal work permit eligibility.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Collect marriage certificate, principal applicant's documents, and proof of relationship.

Step 3: Complete Application

Fill out work permit application forms and prepare supporting documents.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit application online or at port of entry with all required documentation.

Required Documents

Document Type Description
Proof of Relationship Marriage certificate, common-law declaration, photos
Principal Applicant Documents Work/study permit, job letter, enrollment proof
Identity Documents Passport, photos, birth certificates
Application Forms IMM 5710, family information form, etc.

Apply for Spousal Work Permit

Let us help you reunite with your spouse and work in Canada together.