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 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 a family member of a foreign worker. Your eligibility depends on
- what type of worker your family member is in Canada
- whether they’re on a pathway to permanent residence
Open work permits for family members of foreign military personnel in Canada
Family members of foreign military personnel and designated civilians coming to Canada through the Visiting Forces Act (VFA) may be eligible for an open work permit.
If you’re not coming to Canada through the VFA, you may be eligible for an open work permit as a family member of a foreign worker.
Work permit holders under a free trade agreement
Spouses or common-law partners of work permit holders under certain free trade agreements (FTAs) are eligible for an open work permit (OWP). Check the FTA your spouse or common-law partner is applying under to see if you’re eligible.
If you’re not eligible for an OWP through an FTA, you may still be eligible to apply for an OWP through this measure.