Ottawa, January 14, 2025 — The Government of Canada continues to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of its temporary resident programs, aligning them with the country’s economic objectives and labor market demands.
As part of comprehensive reforms introduced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is revising the eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers.
Key Changes Effective January 21, 2025:
- Eligibility for Family OWPs Restricted to Spouses of Specific Categories
- International Students:
Spouses of international students will only qualify for an OWP if the student is enrolled in:- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional or other eligible programs
- Foreign Workers:
Spouses of foreign workers will qualify if the worker is employed in:- TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations
- Select TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities, including roles in natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports, and military sectors. A complete list will be published on January 21, 2025.
- International Students:
- Additional Criteria for Foreign Workers:
- The foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time the spouse applies for an OWP.
- Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.
Impact on Existing OWPs:
OWPs issued under the previous regulations will remain valid until their expiry. Family members in Canada who need to renew their permits—either because the student requires more time to complete their program or their work permit is shorter than the principal applicant’s—may still apply for a renewal if they meet the following conditions:
- The renewal application adheres to the same criteria as the current work permit.
- The requested renewal duration matches the study or work permit of the principal applicant.
Exemptions and Alternatives:
- Spouses of workers covered by free trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residency will not be affected by these changes.
- Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP may still apply for other types of work permits available under Canada’s work permit programs.
These adjustments reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that temporary resident programs align with its economic and labor market priorities.
Source: IRCC
