In January, 2024, IRCC announced changes to the International Student program (ISP). One of them related to the eligibility & issuance of work permits for spouses of the students, though sufficient details were not included.

Details of the change implemented on March 19, 2024 are as follows:

If applying on or after March 19, 2024:

• Student must hold a valid Study permit & be studying
• Spouses of the following students are eligible:
• Masters & PhD program at a university or polytechnic institution; or
• Professional degree program at a university –
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or 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, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
• Note that some of the Professional Degree programs above are Bachelor’s level.
• Other students, including other PG-level Certificates/Diplomas are not included. 

If applied before March 19, 2024:

• Student must hold a valid Study permit;
• Student must be studying at either:
• a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
• a private college-level school in Quebec
• a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree); &
• Student must be eligible for a Post-graduation Work permit.
• Note that all the 3 conditions above must be met.

Questions?

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