Canada Restricts Work Rights for Spouses of Student Visa Holders

Canada has implemented changes to its regulations affecting spouses and partners of international students, with significant implications for undergraduate students’ spouses.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that spouses of undergraduate students are no longer permitted to work in the country.

The new policy, effective March 19, restricts Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) to foreign students enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at universities.

Eligible degree programs include various fields such as Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Education, and Engineering.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller cited the need for decisive action due to the high influx of immigrants during a recent Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration meeting. IRCC now requires documents proving the relationship to the student, including a valid Letter of Acceptance, enrollment letter, and transcripts from the student’s current program.

Spouses who applied for a work permit before March 19 must possess a valid study permit and be enrolled full-time at a public post-secondary institution to qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).