Initial case assessment
Review the family member's status, immigration pathway, and the questions that may affect eligibility.
Work permit options
Understand which work permit options may fit your family.
Open work permit eligibility for spouses and partners depends on current rules and individual circumstances. Get help understanding the requirements relevant to your situation.
- Guidance grounded in your current circumstances
- Support understanding relevant forms and documents
- Clear discussion of eligibility questions and next steps
Guidance for your family’s next steps
A clearer understanding
Check current eligibility before you plan
An open work permit may allow a person to work for an eligible employer without a job-specific offer, but not every spouse or partner qualifies. Eligibility can depend on the principal applicant's circumstances, immigration pathway, and current program rules.
Rules and qualifying situations can change. Before making plans, confirm the current IRCC requirements and consider how your family’s status and application details affect the options available.
Eligibility and required documents depend on individual circumstances and current Canadian immigration rules.
How we can help
Support at every important stage
Practical guidance to help you understand your options and prepare information for your circumstances.
Document checklist and preparation
Identify application forms and supporting records relevant to the current requirements.
Application information review
Check that the information provided is complete and consistent with the supporting documents.
Application review and next steps
Discuss timing considerations and where to verify current official instructions before applying.
A considered process
A practical application journey
Each case is different. These steps offer a general sense of how preparation and guidance may be organised.
Discuss your situation
Review each family member's status, pathway, and plans for working in Canada.
Check current requirements
Identify which current IRCC eligibility criteria and forms may apply to your case.
Prepare and review
Organise the supporting records and check the application details for consistency.
Understand the next steps
Discuss submission considerations and confirm any changes against current IRCC guidance.
Preparation
Prepare documents for your situation
The applicable checklist depends on current eligibility rules and your circumstances. Records may include:
- Identity and immigration-status documents
- Evidence relevant to the principal applicant's status or pathway
- Relationship records where required
- Forms and supporting documents specified in current IRCC instructions
These examples are general, not a complete checklist. Always follow the current IRCC instructions for your case.
IRCC: work permitsWhy work with FCI
Thoughtful support, centred on your situation
Get clear communication and a structured understanding of the application journey, without promises about government decisions.
Clear explanations
Understand the questions that may affect eligibility in your family’s circumstances.
Current-rule awareness
Use current official information as rules and qualifying situations can change.
Organised preparation
Approach the forms and supporting information with a structured plan.
Practical planning
Discuss next steps without assuming eligibility or a particular decision.
Common questions
What to know before you begin
General information only. The right answer for your case depends on your circumstances and current IRCC requirements.
Can every spouse or partner apply for an open work permit?
No. Eligibility depends on the person’s circumstances and current IRCC program requirements. Check the official criteria before making plans.
What affects eligibility?
Factors may include the principal applicant's status or immigration pathway and other program-specific requirements. The rules can change, so a case-specific review is important.
What documents are required?
The forms and supporting records depend on the relevant eligibility category and your situation. Follow the current IRCC instructions for the application being made.
Where can I check current work permit rules?
Use the official IRCC work permit information linked below and verify the specific instructions that apply to your situation.
Clarify your pathway
Understand your options before making plans.
Discuss your family’s circumstances and the current requirements that may affect a spouse open work permit application.