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C41 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers
CanadaCanada•North America
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C41 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

CAD $255

Stay Duration

Tied to principal applicant's work permit validity; typically matches the principal's permit expiry date

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

An open work permit allowing spouses or common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers in Canada to work for any employer.

The C41 is Canada's open work permit for spouses and common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). It lets holders work for any Canadian employer — no job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment required.

The permit is tied to the principal worker's authorization and renewable while that permit remains valid. Fees total CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit fee plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee), submitted online via the IRCC secure account. The program supports a PR pathway through Canadian work experience.

This visa is ideal for spouses or common-law partners of skilled foreign workers in Canada who want unrestricted work authorization while their partner holds a valid work permit.

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit feeCAD $155
Open work permit holder feeCAD $100
TotalCAD $255

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Principal applicant must hold a valid Canadian work permit in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (or under a SIP agreement at any TEER level as of March 23, 2026)

Principal applicant's work permit must be valid for at least 16 months after the spouse's application is received

Proof of a genuine spousal or common-law relationship

Proof the principal applicant is employed or has a job offer in a qualifying occupation

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of principal applicant's work permit showing expiry date (or visitor record showing authorized work for at least 16 months)

Proof of genuine relationship to the principal applicant (marriage certificate, common-law declaration, joint documents)

Valid passport

Completed application form (IMM 1295 if applying from outside Canada)

Application Process

1

Confirm principal applicant holds a valid work permit in a qualifying TEER 0–3 occupation

2

Create or log in to an IRCC secure account

3

Complete the online questionnaire to generate a personalized document checklist

4

Gather required documents (relationship proof, principal's work permit, passport)

5

Submit application and pay fees online (CAD 255 total)

6

Await processing decision; if approved, receive open work permit

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