For families navigating life in Canada on temporary permits, understanding how to extend your spouse’s or common-law partner’s open work permit is essential for maintaining a smooth stay. Whether your spouse is accompanying you while you pursue your studies or work in Canada, it’s crucial to know the guidelines for renewing or extending their open work permit.
Extending an Open Work Permit for Spouses of Students
If you're studying in Canada on a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to extend their open work permit under specific conditions. To qualify, the following criteria must be met:
You must have a valid study permit: The primary requirement is that you, as the student, must maintain a valid study permit.
You must be in Canada: Your spouse or partner can only extend their work permit while you are physically in Canada or are planning to be in Canada during your studies.
Full-time enrollment in a PGWP-eligible program: To qualify, you must be a full-time student enrolled in a program eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Not in the last term of your program: The eligibility also requires that you’re not in the final term of your study program.
Work Permit Expiry Date: Your spouse’s or partner's work permit cannot be extended beyond the expiration date of your study permit.
It’s important to plan ahead and apply for any extensions in advance to avoid gaps in your spouse’s ability to work legally while you study.
Extending Open Work Permits for Spouses of Workers
If you’re working in Canada on a valid work permit, your spouse or common-law partner may also apply for an extension of their open work permit under specific circumstances. As of January 21, 2025, these are the key requirements to consider:
They must be in Canada: Your spouse or partner must be physically present in Canada at the time of applying for the extension.
Their work permit is valid for a shorter period than yours: The primary applicant’s work permit must be valid for a longer duration than your spouse’s permit.
Applying before expiration: Your spouse must apply to extend their work permit before it expires to avoid any issues with maintaining status.
Limitations on Extensions: Keep in mind that your family member’s work permit cannot exceed the expiration of:
Your work permit (the principal applicant), and
Your family member’s passport or biometric validity.
For example, if your work permit is valid until March 2027, but your family member’s passport expires in March 2026, they cannot be issued a work permit beyond their passport expiration. They would need to renew their passport and apply to extend their work permit accordingly.
What Next?
Understanding these guidelines for extending open work permits is crucial for both spouses of students and workers in Canada. By meeting the necessary criteria and applying on time, you can ensure that your spouse or partner can continue working legally while you fulfill your study or work commitments.
If you have any questions or need guidance on navigating this process, contact us or book a consultation with one of our experts today for more detailed advice or assistance with the application process.
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