If a person comes to Canada to study for a period of time for more then one year in duration, they have the opportunity to apply to have their spouse come to Canada and work on a open work permit while they are attending their education program.
Canada is always trying to do the best for reunification of family members from abroad. Once such program is the Spousal open work student permit.
This is given to spouses of a student who is currently in studies in one of the DLI’s available in Canada.
This is authorized for the same length of time that your studies are here in Canada. If you are doing a 3 years study then a 3-year work permit is available to your spouse.
How do you get one?
Well, you must apply online for these permits. The permit is also an open work permit as well which gives you the spouse options in any field of work that will be available to you here. This will
Spousal work permits for Students
Canada is always trying to do the best for reunification of family members from abroad. Once such program is the Spousal open work student permit.
This is given to spouses of a student who is currently in studies in one of the DLI’s available in Canada.
This is authorized for the same length of time that your studies are here in Canada. If you are doing a 3 years study then a 3-year work permit is available to your spouse.
How do you get one?
Well, you must apply online for these permits. The permit is also an open work permit as well which gives you the spouse options in any field of work that will be available to you here. This will help the student and yourself survive the financial requirements while your spouse is learning.
The Spouse has two options when applying for a student spousal open work permit.
They can apply at the same time that the prospective student is applying to have their works permit immediately upon arrival.
They can apply in Canada once they arrive with their spouse. One of the considerations is that it may take 3 or 4 months to receive a work permit before they can seek employment.
You must also consider if your spouse’s educational choices. If your spouse is educated in a certified DLI. If they are not you will not qualify for a work permit.
Once you receive your open work permit you must go to Service Canada and apply for a SIN (social Insurance Number) you will need this in any business you go to work. This number will be with you through the duration of your work time in Canada. If in the future you become a PR you will be issued a permanent number which will be yours for the rest of your life.
Work permits will change when your spouse completes their studies and apply for their post-grad work permit. As a spouse you will still be able to get an open work permit for the duration of your spouses PGWP as well.
While your spouse and you are on your open work permits you should both be trying to find employment in a 0, A, or B class if you do not find this upon the expiration of your spouse’s PGWP you will not be able to qualify for a open work permit. If your spouse is in a C or D occupation this would require you to apply for a closed work permit and this would require a LMIA for you to continue working.
There are many complications that can arise if your spouse or you are not in the field of employment during the PGWP expiration and you may wish to consult professional advice to help you along the way.
