An accompanying spouse or partner does not automatically receive an open work permit. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s study program, occupation, immigration pathway and remaining authorization, as well as the relationship evidence. Rules also differ between families of temporary residents and eligible sponsored family members. Prepare a separate status plan for each person, including children, so that one family member’s approval is not mistaken for everyone’s permission.
What to plan
- Identify the correct family work permit category.
- Check the principal applicant’s current eligibility evidence.
- Coordinate expiry dates and family travel plans.
- Consider visitor or study status where work eligibility is absent.
The process, step by step.
This is the typical sequence to discuss when agreeing your service. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and current instructions.
Identify the family permit category
Determine whether eligibility arises through a student, worker or sponsorship-related route, and check each family member’s circumstances separately.
Check the principal applicant’s evidence
Review the actual program, occupation, authorization and remaining validity, including the conditions that apply to this family permit category.
Prepare relationship and status records
Gather partnership evidence, passports and the principal applicant’s supporting documents, then complete a separate application for each eligible person.
Confirm the decision and work conditions
Read each approval and permit carefully; plan visitor or study status where a family member does not qualify to work.
What to prepare
These are starting points for a discussion. The official checklist and your circumstances determine the documents required for an application.
- Marriage or common-law relationship evidence
- Principal applicant’s permit and status records
- Program enrolment or employment evidence
- Passports and current documents for each applicant
Your questions, answered.
No. Current routes include master’s programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs and specified professional or other eligible programs. The full conditions still apply.
Do not assume so. Children’s eligibility follows the specific family category and may differ from the spouse or partner’s rules.
Check the official guidance
Research checked 13 October 2026. Program rules, intake, fees, and processing times can change. Use the current official instructions before making a decision.