Open / Spousal Work Permit

If you are authorized to work in Canada, your accompanying family members may also be able to work
here by virtue of the permit you are issued. No other authorization is required.
Open work permits allow them to work in any job with any employer. An open work permit also means
that they may be hired without the employer having to obtain a Labour Market Opinion (the normal
authorization required). Accompanying family members’ work permits will be valid for no longer than
the duration of your own work permit.

To successfully receive an Open / Spousal Work Permit, we have outlined below 7 steps you must take:

1. As the primary work permit holder, you must be authorized to work in Canada for a period of at
least six months
2. Each family member must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for their own work
permit – can take between 2 to 3 months to be approved
3. Your spouse’s eligibility for an open work permit depends on the skill level of your job
4. Your dependent children may be eligible for an open work permit through an Active Pilot Project
5. Each family member must obtain the appropriate license, certificate or registration for their
profession
6. Pass an international medical exam performed by a designated medical practitioner if a family
member intends to work in an occupation in which the protection of public health is essential
7. Apply for and accept an offer of employment in a full-time, part-time or casual position

Helpful Links:
Applying from outside Canada

 All Work Permit Forms

 Document Checklist
 Work Permit Application Guide
 Work Permit Application Form
 Medical Exams for Foreign Workers
 Find a Designated Medical Practitioner
 Application Processing Times
 Criminal Checks (Police Certificates)

Applying from within Canada

 All Work Permit Forms

 Document Checklist
 Work Permit Application Guide
 Work Permit Application Form
 Medical Exams for Foreign Workers
 Application Processing Times
 Find a Designated Medical Practitioner

If you have further questions or queries, contact us at physicianrecruitment@interiorhealth.ca