Changes to Canadian Open Work Permits

Starting January 21, 2025, Canada will introduce new eligibility rules for open work permits (OWP) for spouses of international students and foreign workers. These changes are part of the government’s efforts to improve the integrity of its temporary resident programs and better address economic and labour market needs.

New Eligibility 

Under the updated criteria, certain spouses will be eligible for an OWP:

1. For international students, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the only individuals eligible for an OWP are spouses of international students who are enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or more, doctoral programs, or specific professional programs.
2. For foreign workers, spouses of individuals employed in TEER 1 occupations or selected TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs in high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, natural sciences, and education will be eligible. To find what TEER your occupation falls under you can use the tool located on the Government of Canada website. In addition to the new requirements, foreign workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time their spouse applies for the OWP.

Impact

These changes are expected to affect both international students and foreign workers. Under the new rules, many international students will be able to bring their spouses to Canada to work while they study or work. However, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.

What Happens if you Have an Existing Open Work Permit?

Family members who were approved for an OWP under the previous rules will still be able to continue working if their work permit is valid and/or meets renewal requirements. Those who no longer qualify under the new eligibility requirements can apply for other types of work permits that Canada has to offer.

Broader Immigration Changes

These rule changes are part of Canada’s broader efforts to adjust its immigration targets, This reduction, combined with tighter OWP eligibility requirements, are put in place to address labour shortages and better manage temporary resident numbers to better align with Canada’s economic needs.

Projections from a news release by the IRCC on September 18, 2024, indicate that the number of temporary residents in Canada will decrease from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2026. By adjusting these immigration targets, the government aims to maintain a balanced more sustainable approach to immigration than it has in the past couple of years.

As these important changes unfold, it is crucial for international students and foreign workers to stay ahead by staying informed. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to receive the latest updates directly to your inbox. We are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you navigate Canada’s diverse immigration pathways. Contact us to assess your immigration eligibility today.