C42 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students

Canada•North America

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C42 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students

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

1-3 months

Application Fee

255 CAD

Stay Duration

Valid for the same duration as the principal applicant's study permit; cannot exceed the study 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 eligible full-time international students in Canada to work for any employer.

The C42 Spousal Open Work Permit lets spouses and common-law partners of eligible full-time international students in Canada work for any employer without a job offer. Eligible only when the principal student holds a valid study permit for a master's (16+ months), doctoral, or specified professional degree program.

The permit is valid for the same duration as the student's study permit and can be renewed provided the student is not in their final term. Application fees total CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit + CAD 100 open work permit holder fee); online processing typically takes 5–13 weeks.

This visa is ideal for spouses and common-law partners of international students in qualifying graduate programs who want to work in Canada during their partner's studies.

Fee Breakdown

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

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must be the spouse or common-law partner of a full-time student in Canada.

The student must hold a valid study permit.

The student must be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or a specified professional degree program at a university.

The student must not be in the last term of their study program (for extensions).

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

The relationship must be genuine.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, statutory declaration of common-law union, etc.)

Copy of the spouse's valid study permit

Proof of spouse's full-time enrollment in an eligible program (letter of enrollment from DLI, transcripts, or letter of acceptance)

Passport copies

Digital photo

Medical exam results (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Worth Knowing

The student is in their final academic term.
The student is enrolled in an undergraduate, college diploma, or non-professional bachelor's degree program.
The relationship is determined not to be genuine.
The applicant is under 18 years of age.

Application Process

Confirm eligibility based on the spouse's study program.

Gather required documents (proof of relationship, spouse's study permit, proof of spouse's enrollment/transcripts).

Apply online through the IRCC portal.

Pay the fees (CAD 255 total).

Submit biometrics if required.

Wait for processing and receive the work permit.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

IMM 5710

Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker

Fill online

Verified Claims (18)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Confirm eligibility based on the spouse's study program.; Gather required documents (proof of relati…	canada.ca
Blockers	The student is in their final academic term.; The student is enrolled in an undergraduate, college d…	canada.ca
Fee Breakdown	Work permit fee: 155 CAD; Open work permit holder fee: 100 CAD	canada.ca
Fees	CAD 255	canada.ca
Forms	IMM 5710	canada.ca
Job Offer Required	false	canada.ca
Application Portal	https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html	canada.ca
Official Info	https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/help-your-spous…	canada.ca

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