Can my spouse get an open work permit while I study or work in Canada?

The rules tightened in 2025. As of mid-2026, spousal open work permits are generally limited to spouses of students in certain graduate or professional programs (for example, many master's and doctoral programs), and spouses of workers in certain higher-skilled occupations, often with a minimum time left on the worker's permit. Spouses of most college diploma students no longer qualify. The eligible programs and occupations change, so check the current lists on canada.ca before planning around it.