On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of temporary residents, effective January 21, 2025.
Key Changes:
- Spouses of International Students:
- Eligibility for OWPs is now limited to spouses of international students enrolled in:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional and eligible programs
- Eligibility for OWPs is now limited to spouses of international students enrolled in:
- Spouses of Foreign Workers:
- OWP eligibility is restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in:
- Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0 or 1 occupations
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities, including natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports, and military sectors.
- Additionally, the principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time their spouse applies for the OWP.
- OWP eligibility is restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in:
- Dependent Children:
- Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for OWPs under these new measures.
Transitional Provisions:
- OWPs approved under previous criteria that have not expired will remain valid.
- In-Canada family members, including spouses and dependent children, can apply to renew their work permits if they meet the same criteria as their current permit, and the renewal duration matches that of the principal applicant’s existing study or work permit.
Exemptions:
- Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence are not affected by these changes.
Alternative Options:
- Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP under the new criteria may explore other work permit options available within Canada’s work permit programs.
These adjustments aim to align Canada’s immigration policies with its economic objectives and labor market needs, ensuring that the issuance of OWPs to family members supports the country’s broader goals.
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