The Government of Canada remains dedicated to enhancing the integrity and quality of its temporary resident programs while advancing the nation’s economic objectives and addressing labor market needs.
As part of the comprehensive measures introduced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is updating the eligibility requirements for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers.
Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be able to apply for a family OWP.
Family open work permits (OWPs) will now be restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional and eligible programs
Similarly, family OWPs will be limited to spouses of foreign workers employed in:
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities
These occupations include fields such as natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and the military. A complete list will be available on January 21, 2025.
Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for OWPs under these changes.
OWPs approved under the previous rules that have not yet expired will remain valid. In cases where students need additional time to complete their programs or where family members received a shorter work permit than the principal applicant, in-Canada family members (including spouses and dependent children) can apply to extend their work permit if:
- They meet the same eligibility criteria as their current permit
- The requested extension duration matches the existing study or work permit of the principal applicant
Spouses of workers covered by free trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence will not be affected by these changes. Family members no longer eligible for a family OWP can still apply for other work permits for which they qualify under Canada’s work permit programs.