2025 Family Work Permit Update: Are You Affected by Canada’s New Rules?

The Government of Canada has announced updated regulations for family Open Work Permits (OWPs) for spouses and common-law partners of international students and foreign workers. These changes, initially revealed in September 2024, will take effect on January 21, 2025, introducing stricter eligibility criteria.

Key Updates for International Students

Starting January 2025, OWPs for family members of international students will be limited to spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in:

• Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.
• Doctoral programs.
• Select professional and eligible programs (see list below).

Previously, there was no duration requirement for master’s programs to qualify for family OWPs.

Key Updates for Foreign Workers

Family OWPs for spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers will now apply only if the primary worker is employed in the following categories:

• TEER 0 occupations.
• TEER 1 occupations.
• Selected TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations, specifically in:
  • Natural and applied sciences
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Natural resources
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Military sectors

A detailed list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations will be available from IRCC on January 21, 2025.

Additionally, the primary worker’s permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time the spouse applies for an OWP.

Impact on Dependent Children

Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for family OWPs under these updated rules.

Renewal Guidelines

Existing OWPs issued under previous regulations will remain valid until their expiration. Spouses and dependent children currently holding these permits can renew them as long as:

• The requested renewal duration matches the validity of the primary permit holder’s work or study permit.
• The family members apply from within Canada.

Eligible Programs for Family OWPs

Spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in the following programs will still qualify for family OWPs:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
• Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)

Who Remains Exempt from These Changes?

The following groups are not affected by the updated policies:

• Spouses and common-law partners of workers covered under free trade agreements (FTAs).
• Spouses or common-law partners applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) as part of their permanent residence sponsorship, provided they have valid temporary status in Canada.

A Broader Immigration Strategy

These changes are part of broader reforms introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address concerns about housing supply and affordability. The updated OWP criteria aim to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada, potentially decreasing the issuance of family OWPs by an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 permits over three years.

Understanding the Benefits of Open Work Permits

Open Work Permits offer significant flexibility, allowing holders to:

• Work anywhere in Canada.
• Choose employment across most industries.
• Avoid employer-specific restrictions found in closed permits tied to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).

Their versatility makes OWPs a highly sought-after option for newcomers.

For additional details, including the full list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations, visit the IRCC website on or after January 21, 2025.