The Government of Canada recently introduced some changes to its Open Work Permit (OWP) policies for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes, effective January 21, 2025, align with Canada’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its temporary resident programs while addressing labor market needs and economic priorities.

Who is eligible for a Family Open Work Permit?

Recent IRCC changes limit open work permit eligibility to spouses of specific international students and foreign workers.

1. Spouses of International Students

Eligible applicants must be married to students enrolled in:

• Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
• Doctoral programs
• Selected professional and eligible academic programs

2. Spouses of Foreign Workers

Eligibility extends to spouses of foreign workers employed in:

TEER 0 or 1 occupations

• Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in high-demand sectors or those tied to government priorities

These occupations include fields such as:

• Natural and applied sciences
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Natural resources
• Education
• Sports and military sectors

A complete list of qualifying occupations can be found here

Additional Requirements for Foreign Workers

To qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of their spouse’s application. Notably, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for Open Work Permits under the revised policy.

Validity and Renewals

Open Work Permits issued under the previous rules will remain valid until their expiration date. Family members already in Canada may apply for a renewal under the following conditions:

• They must apply based on the same eligibility criteria as their existing permit.
• The requested renewal period must align with the primary applicant’s valid study or work permit duration.

Who is Not Affected?

• Spouses of foreign workers covered under free-trade agreements
• Individuals transitioning to permanent residency

Family members who no longer qualify for an Open Work Permit may explore other work permit options under Canada’s existing immigration programs.

These updates mark a significant shift in Canada’s approach to family work permits, ensuring that the country continues to attract skilled professionals while maintaining a balanced immigration system.

If you have any questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your application, contact our immigration experts today! Book a FREE consultation with Arora Canadian Immigration Consultancy Inc experts at (778) 564-0192.