Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members of Temporary Residents

The Government of Canada has announced important updates to the eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of temporary residents. These changes, effective January 21, 2025, aim to align with Canada’s economic goals, labor market needs, and the integrity of its temporary resident programs.

What Are the New Changes?

Under the updated rules, family OWPs will be more restricted and only available to certain spouses of international students and foreign workers. Here’s a breakdown of the new eligibility criteria:

1. For Spouses of International Students

Family OWPs will only be available to spouses of students enrolled in:

• Master’s programs that are at least 16 months in duration,
• Doctoral programs, or
• Select professional and eligible programs.

2. For Spouses of Foreign Workers

Spouses of foreign workers will qualify for family OWPs if the worker is employed in:

• TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations (these include high-skill jobs such as managers and professionals), or
• Certain TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations in sectors with labor shortages or government-prioritized industries, such as:
• Natural and applied sciences,
• Construction,
• Health care,
• Natural resources,
• Education, sports, and military sectors.

The full list of eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations will be released on January 21, 2025.

Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for OWPs.

Renewals for Existing OWPs

OWPs approved before January 21, 2025, will remain valid until they expire. Family members already in Canada can renew their OWPs under the same criteria as their current permits, provided:

• They are renewing based on the same eligibility criteria as their current permit, and
• The renewal matches the duration of the principal applicant's study or work permit.

Who is Exempt from These Changes?

Some family members will not be affected by these changes, including:

• Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements,
• Family members of workers transitioning to permanent residence.

Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can still apply for other types of work permits under Canada’s various work permit programs.

What This Means for Families

These changes may impact many families looking to join international students or foreign workers in Canada. While the measures aim to address economic priorities and labor shortages, they also create new limitations on who qualifies for an OWP. Families are encouraged to review their situation and consult the full list of eligible occupations and programs once released.