ONTARIO: The Government of Canada has introduced significant changes to family open work permits (OWPs), aiming to enhance the quality and integrity of its temporary resident programmes while aligning with national economic priorities.
Effective January 21, 2025, the eligibility criteria for these permits will be narrowed for both international students and foreign workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced.
Under the new rules, only spouses of international students enrolled in specific programmes will qualify for family OWPs. These programmes include:
- Master’s degrees lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programmes
- Select professional and eligible programmes
These changes reflect a targeted approach to encourage skilled talent retention in fields critical to Canada’s economic development.
Stricter rules for foreign workers’ spouses
The eligibility criteria for spouses of foreign workers have also been tightened. Only those married to workers employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or in specific TEER 2 or 3 roles within high-demand sectors, will qualify. Sectors identified as priorities include:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Education
- Sports and military
Furthermore, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP. This measure aims to ensure consistency in workforce planning.
Impact on dependent children
Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for family OWPs under the new guidelines. However, existing permits issued before the changes take effect will remain valid until their expiration date.
Renewals and exceptions
For families already in Canada, permits may be renewed if the application adheres to the original criteria and matches the duration of the principal applicant’s study or work permit. Meanwhile, spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residency will remain unaffected.
Family members who no longer meet the new criteria can still explore other work permit options under Canada’s broader immigration programmes.