Note: Temporary policy on changes to open work permit eligibility for family members of foreign workers
If you're a full-time international student on a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit for spouses. Open work permits for a spouse or common-law partner are usually issued for the duration of your study permit and allows on and off-campus work. If your spouse or common-law partner changes their status to student, or are already a student, they can review the requirements to work as a student.
If you complete your degree and you decide to apply for the PGWP in Canada, the eligibility requirements for your spouse change when they apply to extend their open work permit. In order for your spouse to apply for an extension of their open work permit, you must have:
- An approval on your PGWP application, and
- A job in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 skill level [Note temporary policy includes TEER 4, 5]
If your spouse or common-law partner is already in Canada with you on an open work permit, they can continue to work using that work permit until it expires, unless the conditions on the work permit state otherwise. If you're unable to receive an approval on your PGWP application and secure employment before their current open work permit expires, then they'll need to change their status to visitor if they want to remain in Canada, or leave Canada and apply for a new work permit from outside of Canada before returning. Please see one of our immigration consultants for support with these application processes if necessary.
There is also an option to apply for this work permit from outside of Canada.
Online application instructions for your spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- If your spouse is applying, but you aren't applying for a document at the time, then they need to create their own IRCC account. Your spouse can watch our video on creating a GCKey and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account.
- Under 'start an application' in the online account, select 'apply to come to Canada'.
- Under 'determine your eligibility and apply online', select work permit to answer the eligibility questions.
- Upload the application form and your supporting documents. Please note:
- The application form does not need to be signed when applying online. Make sure you re-validate and re-save the form after making any changes.
- If your marriage certificate/license is not written in English or French, you must get it officially translated into English or French by an official certified translator. If you're claiming common-law status, you need to include proof and complete the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) form.
- Your spouse will need to provide additional supporting documents proving your international student status. This includes:
- Scans of the student’s study permit (both sides) and the biographical page of your passport.
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A proof of enrolment letter from the University of Waterloo confirming registration for the current term, past academic terms, anticipated enrolment, and anticipated completion date.
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Get your free proof of enrolment letter in Quest which will confirm your student enrolment status. The letter includes your student ID number, enrolment status, enrolment history, program length and anticipated completion date.
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If you receive a message directing you to order a custom proof of enrolment, you will receive instructions from The Centre. Note there is a fee for students who require a custom letter.
- An official transcript from the University
- Request an official transcript — now processed online through MyCredsTM. Follow these steps to email yourself a link to download your official transcript. The purchased official transcript PDF file is then used for the application.
- In Quest, go to ‘academics’.
- Select ‘official transcript request’ in the menu.
- Read the page, and select ‘submit’.
- You will receive an email within 1-2 business days from the University with a link for MyCredsTM to register using your WatIAM.
- You then pay in MyCredsTM by adding a share credit by clicking on ‘add more’.
- Once you add a share credit, you can then click ‘share’. (You can watch MyCredsTM how-to videos for help).
- Select ‘generate a link to my documents’.
- Only ‘purpose of share’ and ‘recipient email’ are required.
- You will receive an email with a link to download your official transcript.
- You can also go in person to the Student Service Centre on the first floor of Needles Hall to request a physical official transcript or submit the official transcript – paper copy form and pick it up there.
- Your spouse will click 'next' to start the submission process and pay the fee.
- Keep all files used in the application for your records.
- Approved work permits are mailed to the Canadian mailing address that was provided in the application form.
You can check estimated application processing times on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The IRCC Client Support Centre is available from within Canada to answer questions by phone or web form.
There is also an option to apply for this work permit from outside of Canada.