C42 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students

Canada•North America

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C42 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students

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

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $255

Stay Duration

Valid for the same duration as the principal applicant's study permit; cannot exceed the study 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 qualifying full-time international students in Canada to work for any employer.

The C42 Spousal Open Work Permit lets spouses and common-law partners of qualifying full-time international students in Canada work for any employer without a job offer. qualifying only when the principal student holds a valid study permit for a master's (16+ months), doctoral, or specified professional degree program.

The permit is valid for the same duration as the student's study permit and can be renewed provided the student is not in their final term. Application fees total CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit + CAD 100 open work permit holder fee); online processing typically takes 5–13 weeks.

This visa is ideal for spouses and common-law partners of international students in qualifying graduate programs who want to work in Canada during their partner's studies.

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit feeCAD $155

Open work permit holder feeCAD $100

TotalCAD $255

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must be the spouse or common-law partner of a full-time student in Canada.

The student must hold a valid study permit.

The student must be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or a specified professional degree program at a university.

The student must not be in the last term of their study program (for extensions).

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

The relationship must be genuine.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, statutory declaration of common-law union, etc.)

Copy of the spouse's valid study permit

Proof of spouse's full-time enrollment in a qualifying program (letter of enrollment from DLI, transcripts, or letter of acceptance)

Passport copies

Digital photo

Medical exam results (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Worth Knowing

The student is in their final academic term.
The student is enrolled in an undergraduate, college diploma, or non-professional bachelor's degree program.
The relationship is determined not to be genuine.
The applicant is under 18 years of age.