C41 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers

Canada•North America

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C41 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

255 CAD

Stay Duration

Tied to principal applicant's work permit validity; typically matches the principal's permit expiry date

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

An open work permit allowing spouses or common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers in Canada to work for any employer.

The C41 is Canada's open work permit for spouses and common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). It lets holders work for any Canadian employer — no job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment required.

The permit is tied to the principal worker's authorization and renewable while that permit remains valid. Fees total CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit fee plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee), submitted online via the IRCC secure account. The program supports a PR pathway through Canadian work experience.

This visa is ideal for spouses or common-law partners of skilled foreign workers in Canada who want unrestricted work authorization while their partner holds a valid work permit.

Fee Breakdown

Work permit fee	155 CAD
Open work permit holder fee	100 CAD

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Principal applicant must hold a valid Canadian work permit in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (or under a SIP agreement at any TEER level as of March 23, 2026)

Principal applicant's work permit must be valid for at least 16 months after the spouse's application is received

Proof of a genuine spousal or common-law relationship

Proof the principal applicant is employed or has a job offer in an eligible occupation

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of principal applicant's work permit showing expiry date (or visitor record showing authorized work for at least 16 months)

Proof of genuine relationship to the principal applicant (marriage certificate, common-law declaration, joint documents)

Valid passport

Completed application form (IMM 1295 if applying from outside Canada)

Application Process

Confirm principal applicant holds a valid work permit in an eligible TEER 0–3 occupation

Create or log in to an IRCC secure account

Complete the online questionnaire to generate a personalized document checklist

Gather required documents (relationship proof, principal's work permit, passport)

Submit application and pay fees online (CAD 255 total)

Await processing decision; if approved, receive open work permit

Verified Claims (12)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Confirm principal applicant holds a valid work permit in an eligible TEER 0–3 occupation; Create or …	canada.ca
Fee Breakdown	Work permit fee: 155 CAD; Open work permit holder fee: 100 CAD	ircc.canada.ca
Fees	CAD 255	ircc.canada.ca
Job Offer Required	false	canada.ca
Application Portal	https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/special-instructions/…	canada.ca
Official Info	https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/open…	canada.ca
Max Stay	Tied to principal applicant's work permit validity; typically matches the principal's permit expiry …	ircc.canada.ca
Petitioner	self	canada.ca

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