Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is introducing new measures said to enhance the integrity of its temporary resident programs while aligning them with the country’s economic and labor market priorities. In a notice released Tuesday, the Canadian government announced changes to its Family open work permits (FWOPs), effective January 21.
The FWOPS enabled family members of foreign workers or international students to seek employment with any organisation in Canada. They can work for any employer across the country without restrictions, if they fulfilled certain terms and conditions.
Key Changes:
Eligibility for Spouses of International Students
Starting January 21, only spouses of international students enrolled in specific programs will be eligible for family open work permits (OWPs). These include students in master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and select professional or eligible programs.
Eligibility for spouses of foreign workers
Similarly, spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible for an OWP if the worker is employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or in certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors facing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities. These sectors include natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, education, and more. The full list of eligible occupations will be made available on January 21, 2025, said the government in its notice. Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for an OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.
Impact on existing permits
OWPs approved under the previous measures will remain valid until their expiration date. In situations where students or workers require more time to complete their programs, or where family members have received a shorter work permit than the principal applicant, in-Canada family members (including spouses and dependent children) can apply to renew their work permits. However, the renewal application must meet the same criteria as the original work permit, and the requested duration must match that of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Exceptions
Spouses of workers covered under free-trade agreements, as well as those transitioning to permanent residency, will not be impacted by the new changes. Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can apply for any other type of work permit they may be eligible for under Canada’s broader work permit programs.
