Bachelor of Nursing Programs Now Eligible for Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada: What You Need to Know
Starting July 3, 2024, Bachelor of Nursing programs have been added to the list of professional degree programs whose spouses are eligible for open work permits in Canada. Here’s an overview of the key details:
Key Takeaways
- Nursing and Express Entry: Nursing is not considered a professional degree under Express Entry requirements. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has taken an inconsistent approach to categorizing nursing in this context.
- Eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits: International students planning to study a Bachelor of Nursing program in Canada can now bring their spouses on an open work permit. This change is retroactive to applications submitted after April 30, 2024.
- Application Process: If you applied for a Bachelor of Nursing program on or after April 30, you can add a spousal open work permit to your study permit. If your study permit has already been approved and you did not include a spousal open work permit application, you must be actively studying in Canada to add your spouse.
Programs Eligible for Spousal Open Work Permits
Earlier this year, significant changes were made to Canada’s study permit program, affecting the eligibility of many international students’ spouses for open work permits. However, there are specific undergraduate programs where spouses are still eligible, providing financial relief and social benefits.
IRCC has not specified why certain undergraduate students can bring their spouses, but it likely relates to demand and economic prospects post-graduation. The professional degree programs currently eligible for spousal open work permits include:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor
- Doctor of Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Engineering
Clarification on Nursing Programms
The addition of Bachelor of Nursing programs is mainly for clarification, as Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs were already on IRCC’s original list. This update helps immigration officers understand which programs are eligible for spousal open work permits, distinguishing Bachelor of Nursing Science programs from Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, both of which are now eligible.
Why Nursing Programs?
The inclusion of nursing programs likely stems from the high demand for nurses in Canada. By allowing international students to bring their spouses, Canada becomes a more attractive destination for those interested in studying nursing.
Applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit
If you applied for a nursing program after April 30, 2024, and did not include a spousal open work permit, you will need to receive your study permit and begin studying in Canada before applying for the spousal permit. If your study permit application is still in process, you could withdraw and resubmit it with the spousal work permit, but this might delay your application.
Graduate Programs
Graduate students pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees remain eligible for spousal open work permits and are excluded from Canada’s study permit cap.
This change aims to support international students in nursing programs, making it easier for them to bring their spouses and enhance their experience while studying in Canada.
