Spousal open work permit
Apply for an open work permit if you are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or student in Canada.
You may be eligible to submit an application for an open work permit if you are the spouse or common-law partner of a worker who is already in Canada, or who is planning to submit a work permit application for Canada.
You may also be eligible if you are the spouse or common-law partner of a student currently studying in Canada, or someone who is planning to submit an application for a study permit for Canada.
Spouse or common-law partner of a worker
For this category your spouse or common-law partner must be currently working, or plan to work, in Canada in an occupation that is skill type 0, A or B of the National Occupational Classification matrix (NOC).
Spouse or common-law partner of a student
For this category your spouse or common-law partner must be currently studying in Canada on a valid study permit at a recognised Canadian institution which has been classified as a Designated Learning Institution.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
International students in Canada who have completed an eligible post-secondary programme of study which is at least 8 months long can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
This work permit will be valid for a period of 8 months up to 3 years, depending on the length of the programme which you have completed.
Being able to work in Canada will give you valuable work experience for your career, and can also be the last piece of the puzzle in making you eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Because so many international students want to apply for permanent residence in Canada, we always recommend that you take a programme of at least 1 year in length, to give you a chance to get enough work experience to apply.
Not all schools give their graduates the ability to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, so make sure that you confirm this before you apply and begin attending school. Contact us to make sure you and your programme are eligible for the PGWP.