Open work permit for spouses of PGWP holders
Spouses of PGWP holders are eligible for a work permit only if certain conditions are met.
Note: The IRCC has different requirements for applicants that have a pending application for permanent residence and those applicants who do not. The requirements below are only for PGWP holders who do not have a pending application for permanent residence.
If you are a high-skilled worker and you are not on a path to permanent residency, refer to this section on the same government webpage.
Eligibility requirements
As the PGWP holder, your spouse/partner may apply for an open work permit if you meet the following conditions:
- You have a job in TEER 0 or 1, or
- Hold a job in certain occupations in TEER 2 or 3 in the following sectors:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Health care
- Natural resources
- Education
- Sports and military sectors.
- Proof that you hold a job in the required category, such as a letter of employment containing:
- employment details
- occupation
- description of your duties
- the TEER category their job is classified
- Proof of relationship such as your marriage certificate, if you are married, or, if you are common-law spouses having lived together for at least one year, the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
Note: If your spouse already holds a PGWP, it must be valid for at least another 16 months at the time of your work permit application.
Other considerations
- If you do not hold the required job at the time that you apply for your PGWP, you can only apply for your spouse/partner's work permit once you have your PGWP and hold the required job.
- You can apply for your spouse’s work permit at the same time as your PGWP if you have a job offer in the required field and/or occupations.
- Spouses already in Canada must apply for a visitor record if they are not eligible for a work permit prior to the expiration of their status in Canada.
