Effective January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement new restrictions on Family Open Work Permits (OWPs) for international students and foreign workers. This policy shift, which was first announced in September 2024, aims to address Canada’s growing housing supply and affordability challenges by reducing the number of temporary residents. These changes will significantly affect the eligibility for spouses and common-law partners of international students and foreign workers seeking work permits.
This article breaks down the key details of the changes, the specific programs impacted, and the broader context behind the government’s decision.
Updates to Family Open Work Permits for International Students
The eligibility for Family Open Work Permits for international students will now be limited to the spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in the following programs:
Eligible Programs for International Students
- Master’s Programs (16 months or longer)
- Doctoral Programs (PhD)
- Select Professional Programs, including:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
These changes replace the previous policy, which allowed spouses of students enrolled in master’s programs of any length to be eligible for an open work permit. Now, a 16-month minimum duration will be required for the master’s program for spouses to qualify.
Effects on Family Open Work Permits for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers will face similar restrictions for family open work permits. The family open work permit will be available only to the spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers employed in the following categories:
Eligible Occupations for Family Open Work Permits
- TEER 0 Occupations
- TEER 1 Occupations
- TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations in specific sectors:
- Natural and Applied Sciences
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Natural Resources
- Education
- Sports
- Military
To qualify, the foreign worker must hold a work permit with a minimum validity of 16 months remaining at the time their spouse submits an application for a family open work permit.
Who is Exempt from the New Family Open Work Permit Restrictions?
Certain individuals will remain unaffected by the new restrictions. These include:
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Workers: Spouses and common-law partners of individuals working under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will not be affected by these changes.
- Permanent Residence Applicants: Spouses or common-law partners being sponsored for permanent residency (PR) may still apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), provided they already hold legal temporary status in Canada.
Why is Canada Implementing These Changes?
The Canadian government has introduced these new restrictions as part of a broader immigration reform package aimed at managing the country’s housing crisis and reducing the overall number of temporary residents. According to Minister Marc Miller, these measures are designed to limit the number of temporary study and work permits issued annually, with the goal of reducing pressure on housing supply and improving affordability for Canadian residents.
The changes are expected to lead to a 50,000 reduction in family open work permits for international students and 100,000 fewer permits for foreign workers over the next three years.
Advantages of Family Open Work Permits
Despite the new restrictions, family open work permits continue to offer several advantages:
- Flexibility: Family open work permits allow the holder to work anywhere in Canada, with no specific employer restrictions.
- Stability: The validity of the family open work permit is tied to the duration of the primary applicant’s study or work permit, not a specific job, making it less restrictive than employer-specific work permits.
Given these advantages, family open work permits remain a highly sought-after option for spouses of international students and foreign workers.
Conclusion: Navigating the Changes in Family Open Work Permit Policies
As of January 2025, Canada’s Family Open Work Permit policies will undergo significant changes. It’s essential for international students, foreign workers, and their families to understand the updated eligibility criteria to ensure they meet the new requirements.
If you are an international student or foreign worker affected by these changes, Growing Globe Immigration is here to guide you through the process. Our expert team can help you navigate these new rules to secure the right permits for you and your family.
Key Insights:
- New restrictions limit eligibility for family open work permits to spouses of students in select programs and workers in specific occupations.
- Exceptions include FTAs and spouses of PR applicants with legal status.
- These changes align with a broader initiative to tackle housing affordability challenges in Canada.
Growing Globe Immigration offers expert, up-to-date guidance to help you navigate current immigration policies and achieve the best results for you and your family.