Effective March 4, 2026, a spouse or common-law partner will be refused a spousal open work permit (SOWP) if the principal international student is in the final academic term of their program — even on a renewal.
This adds to the January 21, 2025 changes that already limited SOWP eligibility to spouses of students in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and certain professional programs. Most college and bachelor’s students’ spouses no longer qualify.
IRCC has not defined "final term" by a fixed number of days, so timing matters. If your partner is nearing graduation, get advice before applying.