Yes, but new rules apply as of January 21, 2025. Spouses of PGWP holders may still be eligible for an open work permit, but eligibility now depends on specific factors, such as the level of study completed by the PGWP holder.

Key Changes

For International Students

Spouses and common-law partners of international students can only apply for an open work permit if the student is enrolled in a graduate (master’s or doctorate) or professional degree–granting program. Those whose spouses are in undergraduate or college programs are no longer eligible, except for a few designated programs. The complete list of eligible programs can be found here.

For Foreign Workers

Family open work permits (OWPs) will now be limited to spouses of foreign workers employed in:

• TEER 0 or 1 occupations
• Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or government priority areas. These include:
• Natural and applied sciences
• Construction
• Health care
• Natural resources
• Education
• Sports
• Military

The full list of eligible occupations is available here.

Additionally, to qualify, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s application. Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for an open work permit.

Renewing Existing Open Work Permits

Open work permits approved under previous rules will remain valid until expiry. If a student requires extra time to complete their program or if family members received a shorter work permit than the principal applicant, they may apply for a renewal—provided that:

1. They meet the same eligibility criteria as the original permit.
2. The requested duration matches the validity of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.

These changes significantly impact families of international students and foreign workers. Be sure to review the updated requirements before applying.

Source: www.canada.ca

Note: None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Although everything is clearly stated on the official website, you can seek legal advice if you don't understand something.

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