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, the common-law partner or dependent child 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, common-law partner or dependent child of a worker in an occupation that’s classified under Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system
  • The principal foreign worker must be authorized to work for at least 6 months after you apply for your work permit.
  • There are some exceptions to eligibility
• the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of an Economic Class permanent resident work permit holder. For example:
  • the spouse or common-law partner of someone accepted through the Atlantic Immigration Program
  • the spouse or common-law partner of a Quebec Selection Certificate holder who is eligible for 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 the principal foreign worker has an open work permit

If you’re the spouse or common-law partner of an open work permit holder (for example, a post-graduation work permit holder), there are some documents you need to include in your application depending on what type of worker your family member is.

Find out more about the documents you need to provide.

Your work permit won’t be valid beyond the expiry date of

• the principal foreign worker’s work permit
• your passport