As of January 14, 2025, the Government of Canada is focused on enhancing the integrity and quality of its temporary resident programs while aligning them with economic and labor market priorities.
Starting January 21, 2025, new eligibility rules for open work permits (OWPs) will apply to family members of international students and foreign workers.
If you’re a spouse of an international student, you’ll only qualify for a family OWP if your partner is enrolled in one of the following:
- A master’s program lasting 16 months or more
- A doctoral program
- Specific professional or eligible programs
For spouses of foreign workers, you’ll only be eligible if your partner works in:
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations
- Certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations within sectors facing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities. These sectors include natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and the military. The full list will be available on January 21, 2025.
Additionally, your spouse must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when you apply for the OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for family OWPs.
If you or your family members already have an OWP issued under the previous rules, it will remain valid until its expiry. Should you need more time to complete your program or your family member’s work permit expires earlier than the principal applicant’s, you can apply for a renewal, provided:
- You’re applying under the same criteria as the current permit
- The renewal matches the duration of the principal applicant’s study or work permit
Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence won’t be affected by these changes. If you no longer qualify for a family OWP, you can explore other work permits available under Canada’s programs.