Maple News reports that Canada will introduce substantial changes to its family Open Work Permit (OWP) program beginning January 21, 2025, significantly narrowing who qualifies under this immigration stream. These adjustments are part of a broader effort by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to better align its work permit programs with labor market needs and educational priorities.
Under the new rules, spouses or common-law partners of international students will only be eligible for an open work permit if the student is enrolled in a master’s program that is at least 16 months in length, a doctoral program, or a designated professional program eligible under new IRCC guidelines. Previously, there was no minimum program length for master’s students whose spouses applied for an OWP.
For foreign workers, eligibility will tighten around occupational categories. Spouses or common-law partners will only qualify for OWPs if the principal worker is employed in a position classified under TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) levels 0 or 1, or in select TEER 2 and 3 jobs across key sectors including healthcare, natural and applied sciences, construction, education, military, natural resources, and sports. A complete list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations is expected to be released by IRCC on the implementation date.
Additionally, spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible for a family OWP if the primary worker’s permit has at least 16 months of validity at the time of application. In a notable change, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible to apply for OWPs under any category.
Despite the new restrictions, family members already in Canada on work permits issued under the current rules will not be affected. These permits will remain valid until their stated expiration. Furthermore, individuals with expiring permits issued under previous rules may still be able to renew them. If the principal permit holder’s study or work authorization remains valid, spouses and dependent children in Canada may apply to extend their OWPs to match.
These changes follow policy adjustments first announced in September 2024 and reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to ensure its immigration pathways support both domestic priorities and newcomers’ success. Maple News will continue to monitor and report on forthcoming updates from IRCC.