Starting January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will enforce stricter regulations on Family Open Work Permits (OWPs) for spouses and common-law partners of international students and foreign workers. This shift, initially announced in September 2024, aligns with the government’s broader strategy to tackle Canada’s housing crisis by reducing the influx of temporary residents.
New Eligibility Criteria for International Students
The revised policy narrows the scope for spouses of international students seeking open work permits. Eligible applicants must now be enrolled in specific academic programs of a minimum duration.
Programs Eligible for Family Open Work Permits:
- Master’s Programs: Must be at least 16 months long.
- Doctoral Programs (PhD).
- Select Professional Programs, including:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
This update replaces the prior policy, which allowed spouses of students in master’s programs of any duration to qualify.
Changes for Foreign Workers’ Spouses
The restrictions also extend to spouses of foreign workers, introducing stricter guidelines for eligibility.
Eligible Occupations for Family Open Work Permits
Family OWPs will now be limited to spouses of foreign workers in these categories:
- TEER 0 Occupations
- TEER 1 Occupations
- TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations in fields such as:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Natural Resources
- Education
- Sports
- Military
Additionally, the foreign worker must hold a valid work permit with a minimum of 16 months remaining at the time of the spouse’s application.
Who is Exempt?
Certain groups will remain unaffected by these changes, including:
- FTA Workers: Spouses of individuals working under Free Trade Agreements.
- Permanent Residence Applicants: Spouses of those applying for PR can still apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if they hold legal temporary status in Canada.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The Canadian government’s decision stems from efforts to manage the housing supply crisis and improve affordability. By reducing the number of temporary residents, the IRCC anticipates relieving pressure on housing demand. Over the next three years, these changes are expected to cut 50,000 family open work permits for international students and 100,000 for foreign workers.
Advantages of Family Open Work Permits
Despite the new restrictions, Family Open Work Permits still offer:
- Flexibility: Freedom to work for any employer in Canada.
- Stability: The permit’s duration is tied to the primary applicant’s permit, reducing uncertainties.
Conclusion
These policy changes will reshape Canada’s immigration landscape starting January 2025. It is crucial for international students, foreign workers, and their families to stay informed and prepare accordingly. For further guidance on navigating these updated policies, The Canada Time is here to keep you informed with the latest immigration news and updates.
