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Canada Puts New Measures on Open Work Permits, Effective January 21, 2025
Starting January 21, 2025, Canada limits the eligibility of family open work permits (OWP) to spouses of certain international students and foreign workers.
Under the new rules, the eligibility for family OWPs is restricted to spouses of international students who have a valid study permit and are either one of the following:
- Enrolled in a master’s program that lasts 16 months or longer
- Enrolled in a doctoral program
- Participant in an eligible program, or
- Studying in a university in one of the select professional degree programs
Furthermore, spouses of foreign workers will also have limitations, as only those who work under TEER 0, 1, and select 2 and 3 occupations are eligible. The qualified jobs for TEER 2 and 3 include industries part of the labour shortage and the following:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Natural resources
- Education
- Sports
- Military sectors
It should be noted that, at the time of the spouse’s work permit application, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months left in their work permit. Under the new criteria, the eligibility doesn’t apply to the foreign worker’s dependent children.
Media credit: citimmcanada
These changes were made to support Canada’s changing economy due to labour shortages and the effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjustments made by the federal government are to aid in the recovery of our economy.
To check your eligibility, click here.
What happens to current OWPs?
OWP applications that haven’t expired yet or were granted under the old rules are not affected—these remain valid.
International students who are still completing their degrees may apply for renewal if they’re filing under the same conditions—that means the same work permit and criteria.
In addition, family members who have a shorter work permit may renew if their request is the same duration as the principal applicant’s existing work or study permit.
Who is not affected by the new OWP measures?
Spouses of foreign workers who are under the free-trade agreements or those shifting to permanent residency are not affected.
If you applied for a work permit before January 21, 2025, your application will still be under the previous rules. If your work permit hasn’t expired yet, it remains valid.