Program delivery update: Spouses and common-law partners of study permit holders – [R205(c)(ii) – C42] – Canadian interest – International Mobility Program (IMP)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
January 23, 2025
As of January 21, 2025, only spouses of students in doctorate programs, certain eligible programs or professional programs, and master’s programs of 16 months or longer are eligible for an open work permit. In-Canada spouses of students may seek open work permit renewals, under the criteria that existed when their current work permit was processed, only if they are requesting a permit duration that aligns with the study authorization that the principal foreign national received to complete their current program.
Additional eligible programs of study have been added to eligibility criteria that formerly included only select pilot programs administered by provinces and territories.
The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot no longer requires an ORG ID to be added to the spouse’s application.