Can my spouse work in Canada? The spousal open work permit rules since 2025

"Will my spouse be able to work?" is one of the first questions couples ask when one partner gets a job offer or an admission letter in Quebec. Since January 21, 2025, the answer depends much more on the details: the principal applicant's occupation or study program, how long their permit is valid, and proof of the relationship. Here is a quick way to find out where you stand.

If the principal applicant is a worker

The spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit if, when they apply, the worker:

• works in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or in one of the specific TEER 2 or 3 occupations listed by the federal government; and
• holds a work permit valid for at least 16 months. Check on IRCC's page how that period is counted for your situation.

Spouses of workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations are not eligible for this open work permit.

The TEER is set by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code that matches the worker's real duties, not by their job title. A "coordinator" or "specialist" title can correspond to very different NOC codes. Compare the actual tasks with the NOC description.

If the principal applicant is a student

A study permit on its own is no longer enough. The student must hold a valid study permit and be enrolled in one of these:

• a master's program of 16 months or more;
• a doctoral program;
• certain professional university programs, such as medicine, dentistry, law, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, education and engineering, limited to the specific degrees IRCC lists;
• certain programs designated by a province or territory.

A one-year master's or a college diploma does not qualify under these rules. If your spouse's ability to work is essential to your plans, check this before you choose a program.

Other situations

A permanent residence application or a Quebec selection does not automatically give the spouse an open work permit. Some programs and some free trade agreements have their own provisions for spouses. Identify the exact basis before you apply.

Proving the relationship

Married couples submit the official marriage documents; check that names and dates match the principal applicant's file. Common-law partners must show continuous cohabitation, usually with a mix of evidence over time: a shared lease or property, bills, joint accounts, mail addressed to both. Explain any move or period apart that could look like a break in living together.

If the open work permit is not an option

The spouse can still apply for a work permit in their own right, for example with an employer who obtains an LMIA (or uses an exemption) and, in Quebec, a CAQ where required. Studying is another route, with its own requirements. Visitor status does not allow work. Our work permit page explains the options, and our article on employer-specific permits covers what a closed permit allows.

Reassess at every renewal

A new job for the principal worker, a new permit category or a move toward permanent residence can change the spouse's eligibility. Recheck it each time the principal applicant's situation changes.

Frequently asked questions

Do our children get open work permits too?

No. Children's status and options are assessed separately from the spouse's.

Can my spouse work in any job with an open work permit?

For most employers, yes, but the permit can carry conditions. Without an immigration medical exam, for example, some jobs in health care, child care or schools may be excluded. Read the conditions printed on the permit.

Our permit was issued before January 2025. Do the new rules apply?

Transitional rules may apply to permits issued under the old criteria, especially for renewals. Check IRCC's page for your specific situation before you apply.

Official sources

Official pages consulted on October 11, 2026:

• IRCC — Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada (students)
• Québec — Spouse and children of temporary foreign workers (French)