Effective January 21, 2025, new rules will apply to open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers in Canada. The Government of Canada has made these changes to support its economic and labour market goals while maintaining the integrity of the temporary resident programs.
Who is Eligible for Family OWPs?
Starting January 21, only specific family members will qualify for an OWP:
Spouses of International Students
Enrolled in master’s programs lasting 16 months or more
Enrolled in doctoral programs
Enrolled in select professional and eligible programs
Spouses of Foreign Workers
Employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations
Employed in select TEER 2 or 3 occupations linked to labour shortages or government priorities (such as jobs in natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, education, sports, military, and natural resources). The full list of eligible occupations will be available on January 21, 2025.
Additional Requirements
For spouses of foreign workers:
The foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when the spouse applies for the OWP.
Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.
Renewals for Existing OWPs
OWPs issued under the previous rules will remain valid until they expire.
Family members in Canada can apply to renew their work permit if:
They meet the same eligibility criteria as their current work permit, and
The renewal duration matches the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Exceptions
Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence will not be affected.
Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can still apply for other types of work permits under Canada’s work permit programs.
What This Means for You
If you or your family members plan to apply for or renew an open work permit, it’s important to review the new eligibility criteria. For assistance in navigating these changes or exploring alternative options, our law firm is here to help. Contact us at info@acperezlaw.com for legal advice tailored to your situation.
Stay Informed: The complete list of eligible occupations will be published on January 21, 2025. Keep an eye on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updates for more details.
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