Open work permits (including spousal)
We did not confirm an open, paused or closed status on a government page on this date. Check IRCC before you apply. Last looked at November 9, 2026: IRCC’s page.
An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada instead of one named employer. It is for specific groups the Regulations or IRCC identify — for example, spouses and partners being sponsored from inside Canada, protected persons, some H&C applicants, graduates with a PGWP, and some family members of workers and students.
Who is eligible
- A spouse or common-law partner in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (IRPR s 207(b)).
- A protected person (IRPR s 207(c)), or someone granted an exemption on humanitarian grounds while applying for permanent residence (IRPR s 207(d)).
- Family members of people in those groups (IRPR s 207(e)).
- Other open permits (PGWP, IEC working holiday, some spouses of workers and students) are set by IRCC’s rules — check IRCC, as the spouse-of-worker and spouse-of-student rules have narrowed.
Steps
- Identify which category you fall in.
- Apply with proof of that category (for example, your sponsorship acknowledgement).
Documents you’ll usually need
- Proof of your category (sponsorship application, protected-person decision, etc.).
- Passport.
What the law says
“is a member of the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class set out in Division 2 of Part 7”
Open work permits for applicants in Canada in listed groups.
“are the spouse or common-law partner of a sponsor and cohabit with that sponsor in Canada”
Who is in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
- IRCC: Work permits
- IRCC: Sponsor your spouse, partner or children
- IRCC fee list (current fees)
- IRCC processing times (live)
Common mistakes
- Assuming the spouse of any student or worker gets an open permit — IRCC limits it by program and occupation.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work while I sponsor them from inside Canada?
A spouse or common-law partner in the in-Canada class can be issued a work permit under IRPR s 207(b). Check IRCC for how to apply.
Related streams
- Spousal, common-law and conjugal sponsorship Open
A citizen or permanent resident sponsors their spouse or partner for permanent residence.
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) Check IRCC
An open work permit for some graduates of designated learning institutions.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) Closed for 2026 season
Work permits for young people from countries with a youth mobility arrangement with Canada.
- LMIA-based work permit Check IRCC
An employer-specific work permit backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment.