A spousal open work permit allows the spouses of skilled workers in NOC skill types 0, A, B approved to work in Canada for a minimum of 6 months, or spouses of foreign students at college or university to work for any eligible Canadian employer.

The spousal open work permit for skilled workers category is exempt from LMIA assessment under code C41, while the validity of the open work permit for spouses of foreign students usually coincides with the spouse’s study permit.