Spousal open work permits narrowed again with a final-term rule
From March 4, 2026, a student’s spouse is refused an open work permit if the student is in the final term of their program — on top of the January 2025 eligibility cuts.
Key points
✓From March 4, 2026, a student's spouse is refused a spousal open work permit if the student is in their final academic term — even on a renewal.
✓This adds to the January 21, 2025 change limiting SOWP eligibility to spouses of master's (16+ months), doctoral, or certain professional-degree students.
✓IRCC has not defined "final term" by a fixed number of days — timing is assessed case by case.
What this means for you
If your spouse is nearing graduation, do not assume a renewal will be approved the way it was before — get advice on your specific timeline before you apply, since "final term" is not a fixed, bright-line date.
Full detail
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.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — confirm details on the official source above and, for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.