Canada Sets Conditions for Spouses of Foreign Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced four essential requirements for foreign students whose spouses or common-law partners wish to extend their open work permits. The student must hold a valid study permit, be physically present in Canada or intend to be present during their study period, be enrolled full-time in a Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution, and must not be in the final term of their program at the time of application.

Additionally, the open work permit extension cannot exceed the expiry date of the student's study permit, linking the spouse's work authorization to the student's study duration. To support the extension application, the spouse or common-law partner must provide documents confirming the student's enrollment, such as an official letter of enrollment, transcripts, or a copy of the study permit.

This initiative reflects Canada's broader strategy to support international students and their families while ensuring that work authorization is contingent on the student's study status.