Canada Updated Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Open Work Permit 2024

Canadian immigration department, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced updated conditions for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) today.

These updated eligibility requirements will be implemented starting from March 19, 2024.

This clarification comes after the Immigration Minister announced new regulations for international students earlier in 2024.

Initially mentioned as upcoming adjustments to SOWP, these changes have now officially taken effect.

What Are the Updated Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Spousal Open Work Permit for 2024?

The partners or spouses of international students seeking an open work permit must meet the conditions listed below.

Starting from March 19, 2024, there are three situations where a spouse or common-law partner of an international student can apply for an open work permit.

1. If, on or After March 19, 2024, a Spouse or Common-Law Partner Requests an Open Work Permit

Starting March 19, 2024, if your spouse or common-law partner applies for an open work permit, they may be eligible if you’re enrolled in certain professional degree programs with a valid study permit.

These programs include master’s or doctorate programs at universities, or specific programs at polytechnic institutions such as:

1. Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS, DMD)
2. Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
3. Medical Doctor (MD)
4. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm), Doctor of Optometry (OD)
5. Veterinary Medicine Doctor (DVM)
6. Nursing Bachelor of Science (BScN, BSN, or BNSc)
7. Education Bachelor’s Degree (B.Ed.)
8. Engineering Bachelor’s Degree (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

To prove enrollment in a degree program, your spouse or partner must provide one of the following documents:

1. A valid acceptance letter from the educational institution (DLI).
2. A verification letter of enrollment from your DLI.
3. Transcripts for the current program.
4. Evidence of their relationship with the student.

2. If a Spouse or Common-Law Partner Requests an Open Work Permit Before March 19, 2024

If your spouse or common-law partner applied for an open work permit before March 19, 2024, they may still qualify under certain conditions.

To qualify, you need to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

1. You hold a valid study permit.
2. Your current study program qualifies for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

You are currently registered as a full-time student at any of the following categories of educational institutions:

1. A public post-secondary school like a college, university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
2. A private college-level school in Quebec.
3. A Canadian private school authorized to grant degrees under provincial law (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees).

3. If Your Partner or Spouse Is Seeking to Extend Their Open Work Permit

If your partner or spouse intends to extend their existing open work permit, they need to fulfill the following requirements:

1. You possess a valid study permit.
2. Your ongoing study program qualifies for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
3. You are registered as a full-time student at any of the following categories of educational institutions:

• A public post-secondary institution such as a college, university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
• A private institution offering college-level education in Quebec.
• A Canadian private school authorized to grant degrees under provincial law, such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

What is the Duration of Validity for the Canadian SOWP?

The duration of validity for a spousal open work permit (SOWP) aligns with the length of time their husband or wife holds a study permit and is engaged in their studies.

What Is the Canada SOWP?

The spousal open work permit (SOWP) enables the spouse or common-law partner of an international student in Canada to work for any employer without requiring a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer.