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Spousal Program

Your spouse (husband, wife or common-law partner) may qualify for a work permit without the need for a job confirmation from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

Before your spouse can apply for a work permit without an HRSDC confirmation, you must meet two requirements:

1. You must be authorized to work in Canada for six months or longer.
2. The work you are doing must meet a minimum skill level (usually work that would require at least a college diploma). Specifically, your job must be listed in Skill Level O, A or B in the National Occupational Classification.

If you meet these two requirements, your spouse may apply for a work permit that is “open” and that will allow them to accept any job depending on whether or not a medical exam was done.

Your spouse’s permit will be valid for the same period as your authorization to work in Canada.