Can my spouse get an open work permit if I'm on an LMIA-based work permit?

Spousal open work permits used to be broadly available to partners of most foreign workers, but the rules tightened. Since January 21, 2025, eligibility has been restricted to a narrower group, primarily spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers employed in TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations.

Where a spouse is eligible, the principal worker's permit generally must remain valid for a minimum period after IRCC receives the family member's application. Because the criteria changed recently and depend on your occupation, it is important to confirm current eligibility before your spouse applies.