Canada Dependent Visa & Open Work Permit

Canada’s family immigration and work permit rules have changed. Eligible spouses or common-law partners of international students and foreign workers may be able to obtain an open work permit, depending on the principal applicant’s study program, occupation, permit validity and other IRCC requirements.

Student Dependent Visa

If you are an international student in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, depending on your study program and other IRCC requirements. Current rules apply to specific study programs, including certain master’s programs, doctoral programs, professional degree programs and eligible programs.

Work Permit Dependent Visa

If you are working in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, depending on your occupation, work permit validity and other IRCC requirements. Eligibility can apply to workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations and certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations, as well as some permanent-residence pathways and specific programs.

Who May be Eligible?

Student Dependent Visa

  • Spouse or common-law partner of an eligible international student.
  • Student must hold a valid study permit.
  • Student must be enrolled in an eligible program under current IRCC rules.
  • Eligibility can include certain master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, specified professional degree programs and certain eligible programs.

Work Permit Dependent

  • Spouse or common-law partner of an eligible foreign worker.
  • Eligibility depends on the worker’s occupation, including certain TEER 0/1 and selected TEER 2/3 occupations.
  • The worker generally needs a valid work permit or authorized work status meeting the applicable requirements.
  • Some permanent-residence pathways and specific programs have additional eligibility rules.

Important: Eligibility depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances and current IRCC requirements. Having a spouse studying or working in Canada does not automatically mean the family member qualifies for an open work permit.

Required Documents

• Valid passport and travel documents
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship, where applicable
• Principal applicant’s valid study permit or work permit
• Proof of enrolment or study, where applicable
• Employment letter, job offer or other proof of employment, where applicable
• Proof of the principal applicant’s occupation and applicable NOC/TEER category, where required
• Proof of financial support, where applicable
• Digital photographs meeting IRCC requirements
• Previous Canadian immigration documents, if applicable
• Medical examination documents, if required
• Certified translations of documents that are not in English or French, where required
• Additional documents requested by IRCC based on the applicant’s individual circumstances

Important: The exact document checklist depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the type of application. IRCC generates a personalized document checklist during the online application process, and officers may request additional documents if needed.

How MN Immigration Helps

Our assistance includes:

• Assessing your eligibility based on your individual circumstances
• Reviewing the principal applicant’s study or work status
• Checking applicable IRCC eligibility requirements
• Providing a personalized document checklist
• Guidance with application forms and supporting documents
• Reviewing documents for completeness before submission
• Guidance on biometrics and application submission
• Assistance with responding to additional document requests, where applicable
• Guidance throughout the application process
• Keeping you informed about relevant immigration requirements and updates

Important: Final eligibility and decisions are determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Our Assistance Includes:

• Assessing your eligibility based on your individual circumstances
• Providing a personalized document checklist
• Guidance with application forms and supporting documents
• Reviewing documents before submission
• Guidance on biometrics and application submission
• Assistance with additional document requests, where applicable
• Keeping you informed about relevant immigration requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse get an open work permit if I am an international student in Canada?

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible if you hold a valid study permit and are enrolled in an eligible program. Current rules include certain master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, specified professional degree programs and certain eligible programs. Eligibility depends on meeting all applicable IRCC requirements.

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you are working in Canada and meet the applicable IRCC requirements. Eligibility depends on your occupation, work permit or authorized work status, validity period and other eligibility conditions.

Under the current general family open work permit rules, dependent children of foreign workers are generally not eligible for a new open work permit under this measure. However, specific immigration programs and situations may have different rules. Applicants should check the current IRCC requirements for their individual circumstances. 

Check Your Canada Dependent Visa Eligibility

Not sure whether your spouse or family member qualifies?
Our Canada immigration team can review your situation and explain the applicable eligibility requirements, documents and application process.

Check Your Eligibility