Updated for January 2025 rule changes. This checklist applies when your spouse or common-law partner is in Canada and you want to apply for an open work permit.

Eligibility: Is Your Spouse Eligible to Support Your Application?

Your spouse in Canada must fall into one of these categories:

Category 1: International Student

Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of students in these programs qualify:

  • Master's degree programs (minimum 16 months duration)

  • Doctoral (PhD) programs

  • Select professional and eligible programs

Student must:

  • Hold valid study permit

  • Be enrolled full-time at designated learning institution (DLI)

  • Be actively attending classes

Category 2: Skilled Foreign Worker

Worker must be employed in eligible occupation:

  • TEER 0 (management occupations)

  • TEER 1 (professional occupations requiring university degree)

  • Eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations (check eligible occupations list)

Worker must have:

  • Valid work permit with at least 16 months remaining from date of your application

  • Full-time employment in eligible occupation

Note: Spouses of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders qualify only if PGWP holder works in TEER 0, 1, or eligible TEER 2/3 occupation.

Category 3: Permanent Resident or Citizen (Sponsorship Route)

If your spouse is Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring you for permanent residence:

  • Inland spousal sponsorship application submitted

  • You and sponsor living together at same address in Canada

  • You have valid temporary resident status or applied for restoration

Applicant: Required Documents

Identity

Relationship Proof

  • Marriage certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if living together 12+ months)

  • Representative submission letter (provided by YCI)

  • Use of Representative Form IMM5476 (provided by YCI)

Background

  • Travel history (boarding passes, entry/exit stamps if applicable)

  • Current and past Canada immigration status documents (if applicable)

  • Immigration medical exam (IME) if from country requiring upfront medical (learn more about IME)

Education

  • Educational documents (certificates, transcripts, marksheets from grade 10 onwards)

Employment History (if applicable)

  • Experience letters

  • Joining letters

  • Promotion letters

  • Recent pay stubs (last 6 months if currently employed)

  • Current resume or CV

  • Employment letter confirming position, salary, length of employment (if currently employed)

  • Leave of absence letter (if applicable)

Financial Documents

Show financial stability. Include documents from applicant and spouse:

  • Bank statements (6 months)

  • Investments (fixed deposits, bonds, stocks)

  • GIC balance of student spouse in Canada (if applicable)

  • Rental income proof (if applicable)

  • Income tax returns (3 years recommended)

  • Net worth certificate

  • Property valuation (if not obtaining net worth certificate)

If financially sponsored by family members (parents, siblings, in-laws):

  • Gift deed or financial support affidavit

  • Sponsor's bank statements

  • Sponsor's investments

  • Proof of funds transfer to your account

  • Sponsor's net worth certificate

  • Proof of relationship to financial sponsor

Documents from Spouse in Canada

All Spouses Provide:

  • Valid passport (all biography, signature, visa, and stamp pages)

If Spouse is International Student:

Study documents:

  • Valid study permit (current and expired if any)

  • Co-op work permit (if applicable)

  • Letter of acceptance from DLI showing enrollment in eligible program (master's 16+ months, PhD, or professional program)

  • Tuition fee receipt

  • Confirmation of enrollment (COE) issued by DLI

  • Program schedule or timetable

  • Grades or transcripts for completed portion of studies

Proof program is eligible:

  • Program must be master's degree (minimum 16 months), doctoral degree, or select professional degree

  • Letter of acceptance or enrollment confirmation must clearly state program type and duration

If Spouse is Skilled Foreign Worker:

Work authorization:

  • Valid work permit or acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for PGWP application

  • Work permit must have at least 16 months remaining from date of your application

Employment verification:

  • Employment letter confirming job title, salary, job responsibilities, and start date

  • Letter must clearly show occupation and duties to verify TEER classification

  • Recent pay stubs (4 to 6 if available)

Occupation verification:

  • Occupation must be TEER 0, 1, or eligible TEER 2/3

  • Job duties must match National Occupational Classification (NOC) description

If Spouse is Permanent Resident or Citizen (Sponsorship):

Immigration status:

  • Canadian citizenship certificate, passport, or birth certificate (if citizen)

  • PR card (both sides) and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (if permanent resident)

Sponsorship application:

  • Copy of submitted inland spousal sponsorship application

  • Acknowledgment of receipt from IRCC

  • Proof of same residential address as sponsor

Dependent Children (if accompanying)

Definition: Under 22 years and not married or common-law, OR 22+ years and financially dependent since before age 22 due to physical or mental condition.

Note: Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for open work permits effective January 21, 2025. They may qualify for visitor status or study permits.

For each child provide:

Key Requirements and Restrictions

General eligibility:

  • Must be in genuine relationship with spouse in Canada

  • Must meet general work permit requirements

  • If in Canada: must have valid temporary resident status or be eligible for restoration

  • Must be medically and criminally admissible

Work permit duration:

  • Cannot exceed validity of spouse's permit (study permit or work permit)

  • If spouse is student in final semester, work permit cannot be extended

  • Maximum 2 years if applying through sponsorship route

Ineligible employers:

  • Cannot work for employers offering escort services, exotic dancing, or similar

  • Cannot work for employers non-compliant with immigration program conditions

Common-law definition:

  • Must have lived together in conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months

Important Changes (Effective January 21, 2025)

What changed:

✅ Student spouses: Only master's (16+ months), PhD, or professional programs now qualify

✅ Worker duration: Foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on work permit

✅ Dependent children: No longer eligible for open work permits based on parent's foreign worker status

✅ TEER requirements: Must verify occupation is in TEER 0, 1, or eligible TEER 2/3 list

Signature Authorization (Optional)

Provide clear signature on white paper with blue pen for digital insertion, or manually sign forms and send scanned copies.