The spouse or common-law partner of a valid study permit holder,
who is enrolled full-time at a qualifying post-secondary institution, may be eligible to
apply for an open work permit. The open work permit for a spouse may
be valid for the same duration as the study permit, as long as the study permit
remains valid. In the application for a study permit, the applicant must indicate that the spouse
will accompany them to Canada.
If a spouse subsequently decides to study in Canada, he or she will need to apply for his or her own study permit.
In order for an accompanying spouse to be eligible for an open
study permit, the study permit holder must be enrolled full-time at a qualified institution at
issuing post-secondary degrees. Eligible post-secondary institutions include:
Public post-secondary institutions, such as colleges or universities, or CEGEPs at
Quebec;
Private institutions at the college level in Quebec
Canadian private schools competent to issue degrees under provincial law.
Learn more about how family members can accompany a principal applicant
to Canada.
