Canada has long been a destination of choice for individuals seeking better opportunities, education, and a higher quality of life. For international students and foreign workers, the journey often includes bringing along their families. One of the most sought-after provisions for spouses accompanying these individuals is the Open Work Permit (OWP). This permit allows spouses to work anywhere in Canada, providing them with the flexibility to support themselves and integrate into Canadian society.
However, as of January 21, 2025, significant changes have been implemented regarding the eligibility criteria for spouses applying for an OWP. These changes aim to align Canada’s immigration policies with current labor market needs and economic priorities. The Government of Canada has announced that only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be eligible to apply for a family OWP. This blog delves into these changes, offering a detailed overview to help you navigate the new landscape.
Understanding the Open Work Permit (OWP)
An Open Work Permit is a type of work permit that is not job-specific. Unlike employer-specific work permits, OWPs allow holders to work for any employer in Canada, with few exceptions. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for spouses of international students and foreign workers, as it enables them to contribute to the household income and gain Canadian work experience. To qualify for an OWP, applicants typically need to demonstrate their relationship to the primary permit holder, provide proof of their legal status in Canada, and meet other specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The introduction of the OWP was aimed at facilitating the integration of spouses into Canadian society and economy, recognizing the importance of family unity in the immigration process.
The 2025 Changes: Spouses of International Students
Beginning January 22, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented major changes to the eligibility of spouses of international students seeking an open work permit. Previously, spouses of any full-time student enrolled in a public post-secondary institution were generally eligible for an open work permit. However, under the revised policy, this pathway has been significantly narrowed to focus only on spouses of students enrolled in highly specialized and advanced programs. The intent behind this policy shift is to better align the spousal work permit program with Canada’s labor market goals and to ensure that individuals joining the Canadian workforce are doing so in a way that contributes to long-term economic priorities.
Under the new criteria, spouses are now only eligible for an open work permit if the principal international student is enrolled full-time in a graduate-level program, such as a master’s or doctoral degree. Additionally, students in select professional degree programs are included—such as medicine, dentistry, law, optometry, nursing, engineering, and other programs deemed essential to Canada’s high-skilled labor needs. Spouses of undergraduate students, diploma students, or students enrolled in general studies or non-professional bachelor’s programs are no longer eligible for an open work permit under this new policy. These changes mean that thousands of spouses who previously qualified are now excluded unless their partner meets the stricter academic and program-specific requirements. As a result, international families must now plan more strategically, considering both educational and economic factors before making the decision to study in Canada.
Detailed Breakdown of Eligibility Criteria
With the 2025 policy changes now in effect, the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students applying for an open work permit (OWP) have become far more specific and restrictive. To be eligible, the principal applicant—the international student—must be studying in one of a limited set of programs that the Canadian government considers to be of high academic or professional value.
- Chief among these is enrollment in a master’s degree program that is 16 months or longer in duration. These programs must be full-time and offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Alternatively, the student may be enrolled in a doctoral (PhD) program at a recognized Canadian university, which also qualifies their spouse for an OWP. The policy also extends to students participating in what IRCC refers to as “eligible programs.”
- In addition to graduate and select eligible programs, spouses are eligible for an OWP if the student is studying in one of several professional degree programs. These include:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy programs (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd), and
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc).
Spouses of students outside these categories are no longer eligible, marking a significant shift in policy.
Documents Required for Open Work Permit
- Proof of the Student’s Enrollment in Canada: You must include recent documentation that shows your spouse is actively studying in a qualifying program. This could be a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a current proof of enrollment letter, or official transcripts. These documents prove that your spouse meets the academic eligibility requirements under the 2025 SOWP policy.
- Proof of Relationship: If you’re legally married, a marriage certificate is required. For common-law partners, you must prove at least one year of cohabitation using shared lease agreements, utility bills in both names, or joint bank account statements. IRCC places great importance on verifying that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- Personal Identity and Background Documents: This includes clear passport copies of both partners, academic credentials, job-related documents, and any previous immigration records. If applicable, also include a resume, work experience letters, or a job offer from a Canadian employer to support your intent to work.
- Supporting Documentation (if required): Some applications may require proof of funds—such as recent bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letters—as well as a medical examination by a panel physician and a police clearance certificate from your home country. These documents help assess your admissibility to Canada.
How to Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit in 2025?
- Prepare and Scan All Required Documents: Before beginning your application, ensure that all documents—including proof of enrollment, identity documents, relationship evidence, and financial support records—are gathered, scanned clearly, and saved in acceptable formats. This prevents delays during submission.
- Create an IRCC Online Account and Complete the Form: Head to the official IRCC website and create a secure online account. You’ll need to answer eligibility questions, after which the system will give you a customized checklist. Complete the application form carefully—any mistakes or missing details could lead to processing delays or rejections.
- Pay the Necessary Fees and Submit: Once the form is complete, you’ll be prompted to pay the required fees, which generally include a CAD 155 work permit processing fee and a CAD 85 biometrics fee (if applicable). After payment, upload your documents and submit the application. You’ll get a confirmation receipt once it’s received.
- Attend Biometrics and Follow-Up (if required): If you’re asked to provide biometrics, you’ll receive instructions and must visit a nearby Visa Application Centre. Ensure you attend this appointment promptly. You can then track your application status through your IRCC account while awaiting the final decision.
West Highlander Immigration
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the new 2025 rules for the Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) in Canada, you’re not alone. That’s where West Highlander Immigration Chandigarh can help. With over years of experience in Canadian immigration, West Highlander, led by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a licensed RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant), provides expert, personalized guidance for spouses of international students. Their team ensures your application is complete, compliant, and submitted with confidence—turning uncertainty into opportunity.