Spouses & Common-Law Partners of International Students

The International Family
Spouses & Common-Law Partners of International Students

Topics:

Working in Canada

A spouse (non-student) of a full-time international student may obtain a Work Permit to work anywhere in Canada. A specific job offer is not required to obtain a Work Permit. The Work Permit will have the same expiry date as their spouse's Study Permit. Spouses needing assistance with job searching are invited to visit International and Exchange Student Centre.

The following websites provide information about the Canadian job search process:

NOTE - A spouse must qualify under the definition of spouse with regard to current Canadian Immigration regulations and must be the spouse of a holder of a Study Permit. A spouse who is also the holder of a Study Permit (i.e., both spouses are attending post-secondary institutions) does not qualify under this policy exemption for a Work Permit. For more information visit the following website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-spouse.asp

To apply for a Work Permit as a spouse of an international student, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to download and print out an application kit. An application kit includes an Instruction Guide, an Application Form, and a Document Checklist. You will also need to order a Fees Receipt in order to pay the application fee (this form cannot be downloaded). The Fees Receipt usually takes 2 weeks to be delivered.

An alternate method is to pay the application fees online by credit card. When paying online, make sure that you print your "official receipt," complete the "Payer Information Section," and attach the receipt to your complete application.

IMPORTANT: Check the Extension Guide to ensure that you pay the correct amount (e.g., Work Permit is $150).

Additionally, the spouse will need to include with his or her Work Permit application:

  • a photocopy of the international student's Study Permit
  • a letter from Western confirming that the international student is currently enrolled as a full-time student, and
  • a photocopy of your marriage certificate or proof of common-law status..

To download the application kit and order the Fees Receipt visit here.

All applications must be mailed to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta. The local Immigration Office will not process applications.

Type of Work Permit applications:

Send your application to:

Work Permit extensions

Note: an "extension" is when you are submitting an application for the same employer with whom you currently hold a valid work permit

Citizenship and Immigration - Work Permit
 CPC - Vegreville
6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 202
 Vegreville AB T9C 1X6

Work Permit for New Employers (i.e., initial open work permits)

Note: a "new employer" is any employer with whom you do not currently have a valid work permit

Citizenship and Immigration - Work Permit
 CPC - Vegreville
 6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 555
 Vegreville AB T9C 1X6

IMPORTANT:

  • Before mailing your application, it is strongly recommended that you make photocopies of your application along with all of the documentation that you will be sending, to keep for your own records for future reference.
  • When mailing your application form to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta, it is recommended that you use a registered mail service to ensure that it will arrive faster, to confirm that CPC has received your application, and to have a record that the application was sent.
  • You will need to include a copy of your spouse's Study Permit along with your application form.
  • Check your application form and documents thoroughly to ensure that your application is complete and signed. CIC will return your application if it is incomplete.

Back to Top

Studying in Canada

Spouses who wish to attend full-time studies at a college or university will need to apply for a Study Permit (except if the program of study is less than 6 months in duration). Spouses who wish to take non-credit, general interest courses may do so without a Study Permit. Otherwise, a Study Permit is required. The London Board of Education offers a variety of programs, including an "English as a Second Language" course (communication, comprehension, reading, writing, TOEFL preparation, etc.). For more information contact the Wheable Centre for Adult Education.

Wheable Centre for Adult Education
70 Jacqueline Street
London, Ontario, Canada N5Z 3P7
Telephone: 519-452-2660
Website: http://www.tvdsb.on.ca/ace

For information on other general interest courses please visit the following websites:

To apply for a Study Permit while you are in Canada as the spouse or common-law partner of an international student, you will need to submit an application to change your terms and conditions.

  1. Download and Print the Application Kit to Change Your Conditions: Visit the Citizen and Immigration Canada website to download and print out an application kit. An application kit includes an Extension Guide, an Application Form, and a Document Checklist.

    To download the application kit and order the Fees Receipt visit the following website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-student.asp
  2. Read the Instruction Guide and Prepare all of your Documents: Read the Instruction Guide, complete the application form and checklist and prepare all required supporting documents.

  3. Pay your Application Fee: You will also need to order a Fees Receipt in order to pay the application fee (this form cannot be downloaded and must be original). The Fees Receipt usually takes 2 weeks to be delivered. An alternate method is to pay the application fee online by credit card. When paying online, make sure you print your "official receipt", complete "Payer Information Section" and attach the receipt to your completed application.

    Note: Check the Instruction Guide to ensure that you pay the correct amount.

  4. Review and Mail Your Application: Make sure that your application is complete and signed before you mail it. If you would like someone to review your application, you can make an appointment to meet with a staff member at International and Exchange Student Centre.

    All applications must be mailed to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta. The local Immigration Office will not process applications.

Citizenship & Immigration - Study Permit
Case Processing Centre
6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 101
Vegreville, Alberta, Canada
T9C 1X5

Back to Top

Volunteering in Canada

Participating in volunteer work provides a wonderful opportunity to:

  • get involved and be active

  • meet and get to know people in the community

  • enhance your skills and gain Canadian career-related experience

  • learn about different aspects of the Canadian culture

To find out about volunteer opportunities at The University of Western Ontario and in the London community, please visit the following websites:

Back to Top

Checking the Status of Your Application

You can check the status of your application by calling the Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Call Centre at the following toll-free telephone number: 1-888-242-2100. Their automated telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a touch-tone telephone, you can listen to pre-recorded information about Citizenship and Immigration programs, order an application kit, and check the status of your application. You can also get a hold of Call Centre Agents by pressing "0" at any time during your call. Agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time. Since call volumes are higher on Mondays and Tuesdays, you are encouraged to contact the call centre later in the week.

Back to Top

Do You Have Questions?

Contact us by e-mail at iesc@uwo.ca, by telephone at 519-661-2111 ext. 85908, or in person (by dropping by the International and Exchange Student Centre, WSS 2120). You can also book an appointment to meet with an International and Exchange Student Centre's staff member by calling 519-661-3031 or visiting SDC's Reception in WSS 4112.

Back to Top

Health Insurance

All international students and their accompanying dependents must be enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) within 30 days of their arrival in Ontario (late application in excess of 30 days for dependents costs an additional $500). Eligible dependents include spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children who are under 21 years of age or under age 25 and are registered in full-time studies. For further information on UHIP coverage click here.

International students may also pay an additional fee to include their family members (spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children) in the extended health plans offered by the University Students' Council (USC) and the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS).

Effective April 1, 2009, Open Work Permit holders may be eligible for health care coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). For more information, please visit: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/int/services/index.html?uhip#ohip

Back to Top

Events and Services for Spouses and Partners of International Students

Tea and Information Session for Spouses and Partners of International Students

International and Exchange Student Centre hosts a series of "Tea and Information Sessions for Spouses and Partners of International Students" throughout the year. These events will give you the opportunity to meet and to get to know people, practice your English skills, learn about the Canadian culture, share knowledge, culture and skills as well as discuss topics related to international families and living in Canada. Drop in for our Tea and Information Sessions and meet other spouses or partners of Western students and our IESC staff. This event takes place every other week. For full event details (days, times and locations) visit http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/int/services/index.html?events

IESC Events

A number of International and Exchange Student Centre's events throughout the year are also open to the families of international students (spouses, partners, and children). For more information about IESC events, see http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/int/services/index.html?events

English Conversation Program

This program includes eight sessions per term facilitated by volunteer English Conversation Leaders who have been carefully selected and trained. The goal of the program is to help you improve your conversational English. There is a $5 program registration fee(this fee is non-refundable). Visit http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/int/services/index.html?ecp for more information.

Job Search Help

Assistance is available to help you with issues regarding Canadian work regulations and the job search process. To book an appointment, call 519-661-3031 or visit International and Exchange Student Centre, 2120, WSS.

Individual Assistance

Confidential appointments are available with an International and Exchange Student Centre staff member for individual consultations on all issues related to living in Canada and adjusting to Canadian culture. To book an appointment, call 519-661-3031 or visit Student Development Centre’s reception area in the Western Student Services Building, Room-4100.

Last Updated: December 20, 2010

Also from this web page:

Join the Conversation

facekbook twitter

Translate

Confidentiality

All information disclosed by students to IESC will be kept confidential. It will not be shared with family, university staff, course instructors, or others without written permission and will not become part of academic records.

The International and Exchange Student Centre is experienced in working with diverse populations.

SDC Areas