The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and temporary foreign workers, effective January 21, 2025. These changes aim to better align temporary resident programs with Canada’s economic priorities and address labor market needs.

The new rules follow a September 2024 government announcement to reduce the overall number of international students and temporary residents in Canada. This includes a 10% reduction in study permit approvals for 2025 (437,000 compared to 485,000 in 2024) and new language proficiency requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) effective November 1, 2024.

Key Changes:

• Spouses of International Students: Will only qualify for an OWP if the principal applicant is enrolled in a master’s program (16 months or longer), a doctoral program, or select professional programs (specific details to be released January 21, 2025).
• Spouses of Foreign Workers: Must meet stricter criteria: the principal applicant must work in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or specific TEER 2 or 3 occupations within sectors experiencing labor shortages (e.g., healthcare, construction, natural resources). The foreign worker must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit.
• Dependent Children: Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for family OWPs.

Impact on Existing Permits:

Open work permits issued before January 21, 2025, remain valid until expiry. Renewals may be possible for those meeting the new eligibility criteria and aligning renewal periods with the principal applicant’s study or work permit.

Exceptions:

The changes do not affect spouses of workers covered by free trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residence. Those ineligible for family OWPs can explore other work permit options.

Looking Ahead:

Families should verify the principal applicant’s program or occupation meets the updated criteria, confirm the principal applicant’s work permit validity (at least 16 months remaining), and monitor official channels for the full list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations, available January 21, 2025.

These changes reflect Canada’s efforts to balance economic needs with sustainable immigration levels, prioritizing roles unfillable by Canadians and aiming to reduce the temporary resident population as part of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. While restricting family OWPs, the government emphasizes the importance of long-term planning for those wishing to work and study in Canada.