Effective Date: January 21, 2025: The Government of Canada is updating the rules for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes are part of broader measures announced in September 2024 to improve temporary resident programs and support Canada’s economy.
Who Can Apply for Family OWPs?
- Spouses of International Students:
- Only spouses of students enrolled in specific programs can apply:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.
- Doctoral (PhD) programs.
- Select professional and eligible programs.
- Only spouses of students enrolled in specific programs can apply:
- Spouses of Foreign Workers:
- Eligibility is limited to spouses of workers employed in:
- TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations (high-skilled jobs).
- Certain TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or government priorities, including:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Natural resources
- Education, sports, and military
- The foreign worker must have at least 16 months left on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP.
- Eligibility is limited to spouses of workers employed in:
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for family OWPs.
Validity and Renewals of Existing OWPs
- OWPs approved under the old rules will remain valid until they expire.
- Family members in Canada can renew their OWPs if:
- They meet the same criteria as their current permit.
- The new permit matches the duration of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Exemptions from the New Rules
- Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements.
- Family members of workers transitioning to permanent residence.
Other Work Permit Options
- Family members who are no longer eligible for a family OWP can still apply for other types of work permits under Canada’s programs.
For more details, the full list of eligible occupations will be available on January 21, 2025.
Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies.
Implications
The changes will primarily impact spouses of international students and foreign workers whose circumstances no longer align with the new criteria. Family members excluded under the updated rules can still explore other work permit options under Canada’s programs.
This move reflects Canada’s strategic focus on attracting high-skilled talent and addressing labour shortages in priority sectors, while reducing strain on temporary resident programs. Prospective applicants and their families must carefully assess eligibility under the revised criteria and plan accordingly.
Changes to open work permits for family members of temporary residents – Canada.ca