Important Changes to Spouse Visa Policies
Effective in 2024, IRCC has announced changes to Spouse Visa policies for international students in Canada. These updates are designed to ensure better alignment with Canada’s immigration goals and to improve the integrity of the application process.
✅ Who Can Bring Their Spouse?
- Students enrolled in Master’s, Doctoral, or Professional degree programs.
- Students in specific professional programs like medicine, law, engineering, or nursing.
📝 Application Requirements
- Proof of enrollment in an eligible program.
- Letter of support from your educational institution.
- Evidence of genuine relationship (e.g., marriage certificate).
📆 When to Apply
- Apply for your spouse’s open work permit with your study permit application.
- Alternatively, apply after you’ve started your studies.
➡️ New Eligibility Rules Starting January 21, 2025
As per IRCC’s updated guidelines, starting January 21, 2025, spouses or common-law partners of international students will only be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP) if the student:
- Is enrolled in a Master’s degree program (16 months or longer)
- Is pursuing a Doctoral (PhD) program
- Is studying in one of the following recognized undergraduate or professional programs at a university:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law / Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
🌍 3. Eligible Programs by Province / Territory
IRCC has also introduced province-specific bridging and re-entry programs that make spouses eligible for an OWP, even outside of traditional master's or PhD routes.
| Province / Territory | Program Name | Eligibility Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Quebec | Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) | August 26, 2024 |
| Quebec | Projet de reconnaissance des compétences d’infirmières | April 30, 2024 |
| Quebec | Projet de reconnaissance (inhalothérapeutes, technologistes médicaux) | January 21, 2025 |
| Ontario | Supervised Practice Experience Partnership | January 21, 2025 |
| Manitoba | Nurse Re-Entry (Red River College Polytechnic) | January 21, 2025 |
| British Columbia | Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (UBC) | January 21, 2025 |
| British Columbia | Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) (UBC) | January 21, 2025 |
| British Columbia | Post-Degree Diploma: Nursing Practice in Canada (Langara College) | January 21, 2025 |
🚫 Who Does NOT Qualify?
- Students enrolled in language programs.
- Students in certificate or diploma courses at private institutions.
- Short-term program participants.
💡 Important Tips
- Ensure your program is eligible before planning to bring your spouse.
- Stay updated with the latest announcements from IRCC.
- Consult with your institution’s international student office for assistance.
These changes aim to streamline processes and focus support on students in advanced programs contributing to Canada’s skilled workforce. For detailed guidelines and to check if you qualify, refer to the official IRCC updates.
📌 Summary of Spouse Visa Changes
- Effective Date: January 21, 2025
- Master’s (16+ months) & PhD students: Spouses are eligible for an Open Work Permit
- Specific bachelor's & professional programs: Also qualify
- New pilot programs: Recognized for spouse OWP across multiple provinces
- Children of students: May qualify for free public schooling
