Spouse Work Permit

[mrk]

Hello, I have a question regarding the work permit for the accompanying spouse. People in the following categories need a work permit but do not need a labour market opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC).

Eligibility criteria: To be allowed to work in this category, you must prove that you are the spouse of a student who holds a valid student permit and who is studying full time at a post-secondary institution—a university, a community college, a CEGEP, a technical or school of commercial studies—that is financed by the private or public sector and authorized by provincial law to award university degrees.

In the above eligibility criteria it says "at a post-secondary institution—a university, a community college, a CEGEP, a technical or school of commercial studies"

Does it mean is the student is studying for a masters or post graduate diploma then only the spouse dosen't need a labour market opinion from HRSDC? Or otherwise it applies to all degree?

Plz clarify

Thank you
Bye

[Leon]

All degrees.  It just says post-secondary institution, not what kind of degree.

[mrk]

Thanks for the reply...

One more question..

Accompanying spouses or common-law partners of foreign students (including spouses or common-law partners of foreign students with post-graduation work permits) are eligible for an open work permit, which means they do not need a job offer or a labour market opinion from Service Canada.

Is there a way to get Post Graduation Work Permit? If yes, then how ?

Thanks

[Leon]

You can get a post-grad work permit after your graduate.  See http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp for more info.

[mrk]

Hello

Let me put it this way..

My wife goes to study on a Bachelors degree, so I will get a work permit..right?

But do I have to go thru HRDSC or will I have an open work permit?

Thanks
Bye

[Leon]

You will have an open work permit.  If you are not visa exempt, you will have to apply for a TRV to join your wife in Canada and once you are in Canada, you use a change of status form to apply for an open work permit.  If you are visa exempt, you go with your wife and apply for an open work permit as you enter Canada.