Hey everyone, I’ve been digging into the spouse open work permit rules lately and wanted to share something that caught me off guard—your student program level actually matters when it comes to your spouse’s eligibility. I know a few couples who assumed their spouse would automatically get an open work permit, only to find out it depends on whether the student is in a college diploma program, a bachelor’s, or a master’s or PhD.

From what I’ve seen, if the student is in a program at the college level (like a diploma or certificate), the spouse might not qualify for an open work permit unless they’re in a specific, designated program. But if the student is in a master’s or doctoral program, the spouse is generally eligible. That distinction isn’t always obvious, especially when you’re just starting the process.

Another thing to keep in mind: the program must be full-time, and the student must be in valid status. It also matters whether the student is applying from inside Canada or outside—timing and location can affect the application path. And of course, you’ll need proof of your relationship, like a marriage certificate or common-law proof.

I’ve been double-checking the details, and it’s not just about the degree name—it’s about the program level, duration, and whether it’s a designated learning institution (DLI). The IRCC website lists this clearly, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.

So I’m curious—what would you check first when looking at your spouse’s eligibility?
- Would you start by confirming the program level and DLI status?
- Or do you focus on the student’s current status and enrollment proof right away?
- And what kind of details do you think really make a difference in the application?

Would love to hear how others are approaching this—especially if you’ve had a different experience or caught something we might be missing. Let’s share what matters most in your case.