Foreign workers currently residing or soon-to-reside in British Columbia (BC), who work for select companies, can now facilitate work permits for their spouses or partners, regardless of their compensation or seniority at the company.

These companies include well-known organizations in BC.

Eligibility for Open Work Permits

As of March 23, 2026, eligible spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers at these companies qualify for an open work permit. This new policy allows spouses to work for most employers in various industries across Canada.

The policy covers spouses of employees in both high-skilled and low-skilled occupations.

Requirements for Spouse’s Open Work Permit

To obtain an open work permit for their spouse, the foreign worker must meet specific criteria:

• Authorized to work in Canada with a valid work permit or provisional approval;
• Employed in a high-skill or low-skilled occupation;
• Physically residing in Canada while employed;
• In a genuine spousal or common-law partner relationship with the applicant.

Foreign workers do not need to have a minimum work authorization period in Canada for their spouse’s open work permit application.

If the applicant is in Canada at the time of submission, they must have valid temporary resident status or be eligible for restoration of status as a temporary resident.