IRCC has updated instructions for open work permits for spouses and common-law partners of students participating in the FMCSP (Francophone Minority Community Student Program) pilot programme. The changes affect renewal conditions and apply to applications submitted from January 21, 2025 onwards.

Who Can Apply for Work Permit Renewal

According to the updated instructions, the spouse or common-law partner of a student is eligible for an open work permit if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The student (primary foreign national) holds a valid study permit
  • The student is not in the final semester of their study programme
  • The student is enrolled at a DLI institution eligible to issue a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
  • The student physically resides in Canada during their studies
  • The student studies full-time and has confirmation of full-time enrolment

These requirements apply to spouses of students in the FMCSP programme and other qualifying programmes.

Which Study Programmes Provide Spousal Eligibility

An open work permit is available to spouses of students enrolled in the following programmes:

  • Master’s programmes lasting 16 months or longer
  • Doctoral programmes
  • Professional programmes
  • FMCSP programmes approved for DLI institutions

It is important to note that spouses of students in master’s programmes lasting less than 16 months and college bachelor’s programmes now also become eligible for work permit renewal in accordance with the updated instructions.

Codes and Administrative Framework

The new requirements are incorporated in admin code C42 (International Mobility Program) and are applied through the corresponding exemption codes for the workforce mobility programme. Information is available on the official IRCC website in the international mobility programme instructions section.

Очередь в иммиграционный офис IRCC с документами и папками на стойке обслуживания

Special Circumstances for Renewal

In limited cases, spouses may apply for work permit renewal based on the criteria that were in effect at the time their current permit was issued. This applies, for example, when the permit was issued for a shorter period due to specific circumstances or reasons taken into account at the time of initial issuance.