North Star Immigration Toolbox

Spouse Work Permit Tool

Spousal open work permit screening

Spouse Work Permit Tool

Spousal open work permits, checked against the rules.

This tool screens spousal eligibility under the post-January 21, 2025 IRCC rules — exception codes C41 / C46 / C47 / C48.

Rules current
IRCC source · 2025-06-19
Eligibility check
5 questions · ~60 seconds
01
Principal applicant’s TEER level
The skill tier of the foreign worker's job under NOC 2021. Don't know it? Run the description through TEERmatch ↗ first.
TEER 0–1 are management and university-degree roles. TEER 2–3 require an approved NOC code (we'll check that in step 2).
02
NOC codeoptional
Required for TEER 2 / 3 only
Skip this step — TEER 0/1/4/5 do not require an approved NOC code.
03
Work permit type
Select the principal applicant's permit category.
Other permit type… (R186, treaty, refugee, caregiver pilot, etc.)
Several of these (R186 f/v/w, refugee claimant, co-op, caregiver pilot, PA already on a spousal OWP) are categorical exclusions. The Spouse Work Permit Tool will tell you which.
04
Remaining duration on principal’s permit
Measured from the spouse's anticipated arrival, not the original issue date.
05
PR pathway
Is the principal applicant on a recognised pathway to permanent residence?
Disclaimer
The Spouse Work Permit Tool returns a preliminary screening based on publicly available IRCC criteria. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Results reflect the rules in effect on the IRCC source date shown above; applications are decided by IRCC officers exercising discretion. Free tool by Nova Scotia Immigration Law.