An open spousal work permit allows spouses of skilled workers in the approved NOC 0, A, B skill types to work in Canada for at least 6 months, or spouses of foreign students at college or university to work for any eligible Canadian employer.

The spouse's open work permit category for skilled workers is exempt from EIMT assessment under code C41, while the validity of the open work permit for spouses of foreign students generally coincides with the spouse's study permit.