Canada expands spousal work permits in British Columbia firms, i.e., Canada has introduced a new policy that makes it easier for spouses and partners of certain foreign workers in British Columbia (BC) to get open work permits. This change supports families by allowing both partners to work in Canada.
Foreign workers who are currently living in BC, or who will soon move there, can now help their spouses or partners get open work permits if they work for one of two selected companies.
These two companies are:
- Lulu Lemon Athletica; and
- Microsoft Vancouver.
As of March 23, 2026, spouses and common-law partners of all foreign workers at these two companies can apply for an open work permit. These companies have been recognized by the Canadian government as “significant investment projects.”
An open work permit allows a person to work for most employers in different industries across Canada. This gives spouses more freedom and better job opportunities.
This new rule applies to all applications received on or after March 23, 2026.
This includes applications for:
- Spouses of employees in high-skilled occupations (TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3); and
- Spouses of employees in low-skilled occupations (TEER 5, or 6).
Foreign workers do not need to wait until they start working officially. If they already have provisional approval for a job and a letter of introduction, they can still apply for a work permit for their spouse or partner.
Before this update, only spouses of high-skilled workers were eligible for open work permits. This change now includes workers in lower-skilled roles as well, making the policy more inclusive.
Who Can Qualify Under This Policy?
To help their spouse get an open work permit, the foreign worker must meet certain conditions.
The foreign worker must be:
- Authorized to work in Canada with a valid work permit or have provisional approval supported by a letter of introduction under a Significant Investment Project agreement
- Working in, or planning to work in, a high-skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) or a low-skilled job (TEER 4 or 5)
- Living in Canada while working, or planning to live in Canada if not yet started
- In a genuine relationship with the spouse or partner applying
Under this policy, the foreign worker does not need to have 16 months of work authorization left. This is different from most other cases, where this requirement is usually necessary.
If the spouse or partner is already in Canada when applying, they must have valid temporary resident status. If their status has expired, they must be eligible to restore it.
Spouses who receive open work permits under this policy can also renew them, as long as they continue to meet all the requirements.
Steps To Apply For A Spousal Open Work Permit
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) advises that foreign workers should check with their employers for guidance on the application process.
Spouses or partners who qualify must submit a standard work permit application to IRCC.
To make sure the application is processed under this special policy, applicants must enter the code “SIPSPOUSEBC” in the “Job Title” section of the online form.
IRCC officers will carefully review two main factors:
- Proof of a genuine relationship between the applicant and the foreign worker
- Proof that the foreign worker is part of a Significant Investment Project
Examples of documents that can be used include:
- A marriage certificate or a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]
- Proof that the foreign worker has a valid work permit or has been approved for one under the Significant Investment Projects category
- A provincial letter that confirms the project name, along with a copy of the worker’s permit or introduction letter
If the spouse applies at the same time as the foreign worker, some of these documents may not be needed.
Recent Changes To Spousal Work Permits In Canada
This new policy comes after Canada made its rules stricter for spousal open work permits in general.
In September 2024, the government announced changes that took effect on January 21, 2025.
Before these changes, spouses of most foreign workers could apply for an open work permit, no matter the type of job.
After January 2025, eligibility became more limited. Open work permits were mostly available only to spouses of high-skilled workers in TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and some TEER 2 or 3 roles linked to labour shortages or government priorities.
Spouses of international students also faced new limits. To qualify, the student must now be enrolled in a master’s program of at least 16 months, a doctoral program, or certain professional degree programs.
Spouses of students in most undergraduate or college diploma programs are no longer eligible.
These changes were introduced to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada and to address housing challenges.
The government has set a goal to reduce the temporary resident population from 6.5% in 2026 to 5% by 2027.
What Does This Mean For Families?
The new policy for workers at selected companies in BC shows that Canada is trying to balance strict immigration rules with targeted flexibility.
By allowing spouses of both high-skilled and low-skilled workers to apply, the government is supporting family unity and helping newcomers settle more easily.
This policy also benefits employers, as it makes Canada a more attractive place for skilled workers and their families.
Overall, this change provides better opportunities for families to live and work together while contributing to Canada’s economy.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
