Canada revises Open Work Permit eligibility for families of international students and foreign workers

In a bid to enhance the quality and integrity of its temporary resident programs, the Canadian government has introduced significant changes to open work permit (OWP) eligibility for families of international students and foreign workers. These adjustments, effective January 21, 2025, align with the country’s economic objectives and labor market demands.

As per the updated policy by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), family OWPs will now be limited to specific groups. Only the spouses of international students and foreign workers meeting certain criteria will be eligible:

For international students:

• Spouses of students enrolled in master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.
• Spouses of students pursuing doctoral programs.
• Spouses of students in select professional and eligible programs.

For foreign workers:

• Spouses of workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, which include management and specialized professional roles.
• Spouses of workers in select TEER 2 or 3 occupations. These roles pertain to industries facing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities, such as natural and applied sciences, healthcare, construction, education, sports, and the military.

To qualify, foreign workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of application. Notably, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.

Existing permits and renewals

OWPs granted under the previous rules will remain valid until their expiration. Family members already in Canada can apply to renew their permits if:

• They meet the same criteria as their current permit.
• The renewal period matches the principal applicant’s study or work permit.

Exemptions and alternatives

Spouses of workers covered under free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence remain unaffected by these changes. Meanwhile, family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can explore other work permits available under Canada’s immigration programs.

The full list of eligible occupations will be published on January 21, 2025, providing further clarity for applicants. These changes aim to ensure that Canada’s immigration policies remain responsive to economic needs while maintaining program integrity.