Canada is rolling out significant changes to its family open work permit (OWP) policy for international students and foreign workers, with new rules set to take effect on January 21, 2025. These changes are part of the government’s broader effort to streamline work permit eligibility and focus on specific academic and professional fields. Here’s a breakdown of the new measures and what they mean for families of international students and workers.
What Are Family Open Work Permits (OWPs)?
Family OWPs allow the spouses or common-law partners of international students and foreign workers to work in Canada without requiring a separate job offer. This policy has traditionally been a draw for families relocating to Canada, enabling spouses to contribute to the household income while gaining Canadian work experience. However, the eligibility requirements for these permits are becoming more restrictive.
Key Changes for Families of International Students
Under the new policy, family OWPs for international students will be limited to spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in specific educational programs. Eligible programs now include:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional or accredited programs, such as:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS/DMD)
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN/BSN)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng/BE/BASc), among others
This marks a significant shift from previous policies, where family OWPs were available to spouses of students in shorter master’s programs or other unlisted academic disciplines.
New Rules for Families of Foreign Workers
For foreign workers, the criteria have also become stricter. Family OWPs will only be granted to spouses or common-law partners of individuals working in specific high-skill occupations. These include:
- TEER 0 and TEER 1 occupations
- Select TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations in fields such as natural sciences, construction, healthcare, education, and military sectors
Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months of validity left on their work permit at the time of application. Importantly, dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for family OWPs under these changes.
Implications for Families with Existing Permits
For families already holding OWPs, there is some relief. Permits issued under the earlier, more lenient rules will remain valid until their expiration. In cases where a family member’s permit expires before the primary applicant’s, they may still apply for a renewal, provided their duration aligns with the sponsoring permit holder’s work or study permit.
Who Is Exempt from These Changes?
Certain groups remain unaffected by these new rules, including:
- Spouses or common-law partners of workers covered under free trade agreements (FTAs)
- Spouses applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) as part of their permanent residency (PR) sponsorship, provided they hold legal temporary status in Canada
Why These Changes Matter
The revised OWP policy reflects Canada’s strategic focus on attracting talent in high-demand sectors while tightening eligibility criteria to better manage immigration numbers. Families of international students and workers may need to reconsider their plans, particularly if their intended academic or professional paths don’t meet the new criteria.
What Should Families Do Next?
If you’re planning to study or work in Canada, it’s essential to review the updated eligibility requirements and explore alternative options, such as:
- Enrolling in qualifying programs to secure eligibility for your spouse’s OWP
- Ensuring your work permit has sufficient validity before applying for family OWPs
- Seeking advice from immigration professionals to navigate these changes
The Canadian government’s emphasis on high-skilled fields and extended program durations highlights the importance of careful planning for families aiming to live and work in Canada. By staying informed, you can position yourself to make the most of Canada’s immigration opportunities, even within the framework of these new restrictions.
