You need a work permit The spouse, common-law partner or a family member of someone working in Canada needs a work permit
If you’re the spouse, common-law partner or a family member of someone working temporarily in Canada, you need a work permit to work in Canada.
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you’re
- the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill levels A or B
- The skilled worker must be authorized to work for at least 6 months after you apply for your work permit.
- the spouse or common-law partner of someone accepted for the Atlantic Immigration Program in a job under NOC skill type 0 or skill levels A, B or C
- the spouse or common-law partner of a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holder who is eligible for the International Mobility Program Plus
- a family member of a foreign representative
- a family member of a foreign military member who is working in Canada
You must also
- be in a genuine relationship with the person who makes you eligible for this open work permit
- meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
If your spouse or common-law partner has an open work permit
If they have an open work permit (for example, a post graduation work permit), you must attach a copy of your spouse’s or common-law partner’s work permit to your application for an open work permit, along with either
- a letter from your spouse’s or common-law partner’s current employer that confirms they work there in an occupation under the NOC skill type 0 or skill levels A or B
- a copy of your spouse’s or common-law partner’s employment offer or contract
The NOC system is changing
Starting November 16, 2022, we’ll switch to the 2021 version of the NOC system. At that time, the skill types and levels will be replaced by Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER).
Skill type or level | TEER category |
---|---|
Skill type 0 | TEER 0 |
Skill level A | TEER 1 |
Skill level B | TEER 2 and TEER 3 |
Skill level C | TEER 4 |
Skill level D | TEER 5 |
Not all jobs will stay at the equivalent TEER. If your spouse is a skilled worker or holds an Atlantic Immigration Program work permit, check the NOC 2021 to make sure their job still makes you eligible for your own work permit.
Type of work permit
When you fill out your work permit application, select “Open work permit” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section. Leave the employer section of the application blank.
Your work permit won’t be valid
- longer than your spouse’s or common-law partner’s permit
- beyond the expiry date on your passport
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