As part of broader reforms announced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is adjusting the eligibility for open work permits (OWPs) for the family members of international students and foreign workers.
Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be eligible to apply for a family OWP.
Eligibility for Family OWPs:
- Spouses of international students enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, or select professional programs.
- Spouses of foreign workers employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labour shortages or that align with government priorities, such as healthcare, construction, natural sciences, and education.
In addition, foreign workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for an OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for a family OWP.
What This Means for Current Applicants:
- OWPs approved under previous criteria will remain valid if not expired.
- Family members in Canada (including spouses and dependent children) who need more time to complete their program or whose permits were shorter than the principal applicant’s can apply to renew their work permit under the same criteria as their original permit.
This change will not affect spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residence. Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can apply for other work permits available under Canada’s work permit programs.
For more details, the full list of eligible occupations will be available on January 21, 2025.
If you have any questions in this regard or you want to know which work permit would be an option for your spouse, you can always contact us with your questions here