Spousal open work permits and separate child permits.
Dolphin Immigration helps eligible spouses and common-law partners of skilled workers understand the application process from inside or outside Canada. We can also assist with separate visitor record or study permit applications for accompanying children, based on each child’s circumstances and current IRCC requirements.
A spouse’s work permit and a child’s status are separate applications
A spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit only when the principal worker and family member meet the rules for the applicable program. A child does not automatically receive the spouse’s work permit or qualify for an open work permit. Children may need their own visitor record or study permit, depending on their plans, age, current status and family circumstances.
IRCC eligibility differs by pathway. For example, rules for a high-skilled worker on an eligible permanent-residence pathway are different from those for a high-skilled worker who is not on such a pathway. We review the relevant category before discussing next steps.
Applying from inside or outside Canada
Family members applying from outside Canada may apply alongside the worker or at a different time, depending on the circumstances and IRCC instructions. Applicants already in Canada must meet the applicable temporary status requirements; maintained status or restoration may be relevant in some situations.
Timing, the principal worker’s permit validity, occupation and immigration pathway can affect eligibility. We help organize the family’s timeline and identify which applications and supporting records may be relevant.
Support for the whole family’s application plan
Our work may include reviewing the principal worker’s permit and employment information, assessing the spouse’s open work permit route, and identifying a suitable status application for each accompanying child. A child’s study permit or visitor record is assessed separately; neither is automatic.
For an initial discussion, note where each family member is applying from, current permit or visitor-record expiry dates, the worker’s occupation and permit validity, and any permanent-residence pathway or application stage. Please do not send passport numbers, UCI numbers or sensitive documents through the website inquiry form.
Check current IRCC rules before applying
Family open work permit rules have changed and can vary by worker category and pathway. Review the current IRCC eligibility requirements for family members of foreign workers ↗ before applying. Each family member’s eligibility depends on the rules and facts that apply to their case.
What to know before you begin.
Can my children be included on my spouse’s open work permit?
No. A child does not automatically receive a spouse’s open work permit. Depending on the child’s circumstances and plans, a separate visitor record or study permit may be appropriate. Some children may qualify for a work permit only under specific rules.
Can my spouse apply from outside Canada?
Some family members can apply with the principal worker or separately, depending on the category and timing. Check current IRCC instructions for the worker’s pathway and each family member.
Does every skilled worker’s spouse qualify for an open work permit?
No. Eligibility depends on the principal worker’s occupation, permit validity and pathway, as well as the spouse’s circumstances. Current IRCC rules should be checked before an application is prepared.
Discuss work permits for your family
Book a consultation to review the worker’s category, the family’s location and the separate status needs of accompanying children.