Skip to Content

​Changes Coming to Spousal Open Work Permits

IRCC Sets The Bar Higher For the Family of Foreign Workers to Work In Canada

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada is revising open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of international students and foreign workers, effective January 21, 2025. 

As per the new updates, spouses of international students will qualify for OWPs only if the student is enrolled in:

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

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

  • TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or 
  • Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in priority sectors (e.g., health care, construction, education).

The foreign worker must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for OWPs. 

A full list of eligible occupations will be available on January 21, 2025. If you are eligible under the current rules and would like to process your spousal work permit application as soon as possible, call us now. Immibright provides diverse Immigration Services for Canada to people from around the world. ..

Discover the best ways to immigrate to Canada and start your new life today!

Book your consultation meeting now!

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Sign in to leave a comment
Canada Announced 2025 Express Entry Category-Based Priorities
Focus on In-Canada Applicants