Updates on Canada’s student visa rules

As of March 19, 2024, the new work permit rules are now in effect.

Now, spouses and partners of students with a valid study permit can only obtain a freelance work permit if the student is enrolled in certain programs. Eligible programs include a master’s or doctoral degree at a university or polytechnic institution, or one of these professional degree programs at a university:

Doctor of dental surgery (DDS, DMD)

Bachelor of Law or Doctor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Doctor of Optometry (OD)

Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BScN, BSN, BNSc)

Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)

Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Undergraduate and college students who plan to bring their spouse or common-law partner to Canada should be aware of this change, as their partner will no longer be eligible to work if the student does not study in one of the programs listed above.