Canada Updates Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Open Work Permit. On march 19, 2024, IRCC introduced several changes to spousal open work permits. According to IRCC, spouses and partners of international students are eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). Partners and spouses are eligible for SOWP only if their sponsor has enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in Canada. Applications received after march 19 are eligible if their partner has all the required documents. A spousal open work permit in Canada is a permit that is issued to the spouse or partner of a temporary Canadian permit holder. This allows the spouse or partner to work and stay in Canada. Individuals who have applied to be sponsored by their partner or those whose partners are in Canada on a study or work permit may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit.

List of professional degree programs that are eligible to apply for a SOWP:

• Doctor of dental surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of engineering (B. Eng., Be, B.Sc.)
• Bachelor of science in nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of law or juris doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of optometry (OD)
• Bachelor of education (B.Ed.)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of medicine (MD)
• Doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM)