Can you explain the spouse visa and how it differs from my individual visa in Canada for a Master's?
Your study permit lets you work up to 20 hours a week off campus during classes and leads to a Post-Graduation Work Permit after you graduate. Your spouse only qualifies for an open work permit if your Master's runs at least 16 months, or is a PhD.
Your own study permit and your spouse's potential work permit run on completely different rules, and the biggest factor is your program length. If your Master's is under 16 months, your spouse simply does not qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit under current IRCC guidelines, no matter how strong their profile is. Understanding this cutoff before you pick a program can change whether your spouse can join you in Canada at all.
Study Permit vs Spousal Open Work Permit
| Feature | Your Study Permit | Spousal Open Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Education and academic progress | Employment and family support |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours a week during terms, full time on breaks | No restrictions, full or part time |
| Job offer needed | Not applicable | No job offer required |
| Eligibility rule | Enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution | Your Master's must be at least 16 months, or a PhD |
What Your Spouse Should Know Before Applying
- Their work permit validity is tied to the length of your study permit
- They cannot extend or newly qualify for the open permit once you enter your final academic term
- Once you graduate, you can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit to work full time for any employer
My Advice
Before you finalize your program choice, confirm its exact duration in months with your university in writing, since a program that runs 15.5 months instead of 16 can disqualify your spouse entirely. Have your spouse prepare their application documents alongside yours so both permits can be submitted close together and processed in parallel.
Can your spouse come with you to Canada?
Which Canadian courses still allow dependents, and what you will need to show.
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