In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to reduce the issuance of Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) by more than 100,000 over the next three years.
Minister Miller announced on September 18 that the department would be imposing further restrictions on spouses of students enrolled in certain professional programs, doctorate and master’s programs, and pilot programs in order to restrict their eligibility for the SOWP.
This includes restricting master’s degree students’ wives’ eligibility for work permits to “only those whose program is at least 16 months in duration.”
What is a Spousal Open Work Permit?
The Spousal Open Work Permit is a provision offered by the IRCC that allows spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work in Canada while their immigration application is being processed. It is a vital program for families looking to transition smoothly into Canadian society, as it provides financial stability and allows partners to gain Canadian work experience.
The Reduction Plan
According to the announcement, IRCC will reduce the number of SOWPs issued by more than 100,000 between now and 2026. The decision is being positioned as part of a broader strategy to recalibrate immigration targets and focus on specific labor market needs. However, for many families, this could mean longer waiting periods and a reduced chance of obtaining work authorization while they wait for their permanent residence applications to be processed
The recent changes build upon IRCC’s earlier announcement that Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) will now only be available to the spouses of students enrolled in specific master’s or doctoral programs at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs). There will be some exceptions for those in high-demand undergraduate degrees.
Additionally, IRCC has decided to count master’s and doctoral students toward the cap on the number of study permits to be issued in 2025. According to the department, 12% of the 437,000 study permits planned for 2025 have been reserved for these students. However, master’s and PhD students are not included in the cap for 2024 study permits.
While specific details about other upcoming changes were not provided, it was noted that over the next three years, these adjustments are expected to result in 50,000 fewer SOWPs being granted to the spouses of international students.
How to apply
Regarding the precise date of the increased limitations on Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs), no official government directives have been made public.
Spouses of international students may now apply for a Spousal Open Work Permits beginning on April 30 of this year, provided that their sponsor is enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program or any of the following professional degree programs:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
- Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
IRCC will also require one of the following documents:
- A valid letter of acceptance from the sponsor’s designated learning institution (DLI)
- A proof of enrolment letter from their DLI
- Transcripts from their current program
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate participation in one of the eligible pilot programs, if applicable, and provide other documents, including proof of their relationship to the student.
Those who receive approval can expect their SOWP to be valid for the same duration as their sponsor’s study permit.
Reasons for the Reduction
The Canadian government has cited multiple factors behind this move. One of the primary reasons is the need to address the growing number of immigration applications in certain categories. By limiting the number of SOWPs, the government aims to streamline immigration processing and ensure that Canada’s immigration system remains sustainable and responsive to labor market needs.
Additionally, IRCC is working towards a more balanced approach that prioritizes certain sectors and occupations that align with Canada’s evolving economic demands. While SOWPs contribute significantly to family reunification, the government is looking to manage the overall number of immigrants entering the workforce under this category.
In the coming months, more details are expected regarding alternative pathways for spouses and partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work in Canada. The impact of these reductions will continue to be monitored, and advocacy groups are expected to push for more solutions that accommodate both family reunification and economic integration.
