Spousal open work permit

A foreign owner moving to run a Canadian business may ask whether a spouse can also work. IRCC says an open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except those it excludes, and that no job offer is needed to apply.

What IRCC sets out

IRCC’s family-member page says eligibility depends on whether the main applicant is on a pathway to, or has already applied for, permanent residence and on what type of worker they are in Canada. For spouses of high-skilled workers, IRCC says only select spouses or common-law partners may be eligible. Each route sets its own conditions on the main applicant’s permit, including how long it must remain valid after the spouse applies, with some exceptions. IRCC also says spouses or common-law partners of work permit holders under certain free trade agreements are eligible for a spousal open work permit, so check the agreement.

What to check

• Which page of IRCC’s rules fits the main applicant’s permit.
• The permit’s expiry and conditions.
• Whether the rules have changed since the main applicant applied.

See open work permit and whether a foreign buyer can buy a Canadian business.