Spousal & Dependant Child Open Work Permit Changes Effective Jan 21, 2025

Ottawa, January 14, 2025—The Government of Canada is enhancing the integrity and quality of its temporary resident programs while aligning them with the country’s economic goals and labor market demands.

As part of the measures announced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is updating open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of international students and foreign workers.

Key Changes to Family OWP Eligibility

Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of specific international students and foreign workers will qualify for a family OWP.

1. Eligibility for Spouses of International Students

Family OWPs will be restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in:

• Master’s programs of 16 months or longer,
• Doctoral programs, or
• Select professional and eligible programs.

2. Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers

Family OWPs will be available to spouses of foreign workers employed in:

• TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or
• Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations within sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities.
• Eligible sectors include natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports, and the military.
• A full list of eligible occupations will be published on January 21, 2025.

In addition, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for an OWP.

Changes for Dependent Children

Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.

Transitional Measures

• OWPs approved under the previous rules will remain valid until their expiry.
• Family members in Canada can apply to renew their work permits under the same criteria as their existing permits if:
• The renewal aligns with the current study or work permit of the principal applicant.
• The requested renewal duration matches that of the principal applicant's permit.

Exceptions and Alternative Options

• Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements or transitioning to permanent residence will not be affected.
• Family members no longer qualifying for a family OWP can explore other work permit options under Canada’s work permit programs.

These updates aim to ensure that Canada’s temporary resident programs continue to meet labor market needs while maintaining program integrity.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/changes-open-work-permits-family-members-temporary-residents.html