IRCC to Cut Spousal Open Work Permits by Over 100,000 in the Next Three Years

The Canadian government is tightening eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs), aiming to reduce the number of these permits issued over the next three years. Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently announced changes that will impact spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers.

Changes to SOWP Eligibility for Spouses of International Students

Starting from September 18, the eligibility for SOWPs will be further limited for spouses of students in specific academic programs. The new rules include:

• Doctoral and Certain Master's Programs: Eligibility will be restricted to spouses of students enrolled in certain programs.
• Professional and Pilot Programs: Some professional degrees and pilot programs will also see changes in eligibility.
• Master’s Degree Students: Only spouses of master’s students in programs that are at least 16 months long will qualify for a SOWP.
  
  

Earlier this year, IRCC had already limited SOWPs to spouses of students in specific master's, doctoral, and select undergraduate programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Additionally, a cap has been introduced on the number of study permits for 2025, with only 12% of the 437,000 permits reserved for master’s and doctoral students. These students are excluded from the cap for 2024.

Minister Miller expects these changes will reduce the number of SOWPs issued to spouses of international students by 50,000 over the next three years.

SOWP Changes for Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers

Eligibility for SOWPs will also be limited for spouses of temporary foreign workers. The new criteria will include only spouses of highly skilled workers, such as executives, scientists, engineers, professors, and those in sectors facing critical labor shortages.

Overall, the new restrictions are expected to result in 100,000 fewer SOWPs being issued over the next three years.

Current SOWP Application Process

While the exact date for the new SOWP restrictions is not yet confirmed, current eligibility remains as follows:

• Spouses of international students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or specific professional programs (e.g., law, medicine, pharmacy) can apply.
• Applicants need to provide proof of enrollment, a valid acceptance letter, or transcripts, along with documents showing their relationship to the student.

Approved SOWPs will be valid for the same duration as the sponsor’s study permit.

Broader Changes for Temporary Residents

These adjustments to SOWPs are part of broader changes to Canada’s temporary resident programs, including a cap on study permit applications and new language requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).

More details on temporary resident levels will be included in the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan, set to be released by November 1, 2024.

The goal of these changes is to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5% of the population to 5% over the next three years, reflecting Canada’s shifting immigration priorities as the economy stabilizes post-pandemic.