As part of broader immigration reforms announced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is revising its Open Work Permit (OWP) policy for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes aim to prioritize high-skill sectors and align with Canada’s labor market needs.
New Eligibility Criteria for Family OWPs
Starting January 21, 2025, family OWPs will be available only to:
- Spouses of International Students:
- Enrolled in master’s programs (16 months or longer), doctoral programs, or specific professional courses.
- Spouses of Foreign Workers:
- Employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations or certain TEER 2 or 3 roles in sectors facing labor shortages, including health care, construction, education, and natural resources.
- The worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when the spouse applies for the OWP.
Dependent children will no longer qualify for family OWPs. Existing OWPs granted under previous rules will remain valid until their expiration.
Application and Renewal Changes
- Renewal applications for in-Canada family members must meet the same criteria as their initial permits.
- Renewals are limited to the validity period of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
No More Port of Entry Work Permits
From December 2024, all OWP applications, including extensions, must be submitted online. Workers on maintained status who leave Canada will lose their ability to work upon reentry until their application is approved.
Focus on High-Skilled Occupations
High-skilled roles are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system’s TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3. These include jobs in natural sciences, military, education, and healthcare sectors. A detailed list of eligible occupations will be published on January 21, 2025.
Previous Changes and Policy Goals
Earlier in 2024, IRCC refined its processing of family OWPs, ensuring that officers relied on documentation provided by applicants to validate the skill levels of principal applicants. These revisions reflect Canada’s emphasis on addressing labor shortages and supporting high-demand sectors.
Family members who no longer qualify for an OWP can explore other work permit programs under Canada’s immigration framework.
Conclusion
These updates underscore Canada’s strategy to target skilled labor needs and align immigration pathways with economic priorities. Prospective applicants should carefully review the new requirements before applying.
