Expired PR Card? Steps to Re-Entering Canada Made Simple
January 13, 2025
Canada Enhances Border Security and Immigration Measures: Key Highlights from Marc Miller’s Press Conference
January 15, 2025
Bonnie Tyler
Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members of Temporary Residents
On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of temporary residents. These changes, effective January 21, 2025, aim to align Canada’s immigration programs with the country’s economic goals and labour market needs while maintaining program integrity.
Key Changes to Open Work Permits
- Eligibility for Spouses of International Students
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional and eligible programs
- Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations (high-skilled jobs)
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labour shortages or linked to government priorities, such as:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Health care
- Natural resources
- Education
- Sports and military sectors
Spouses of Canadian international students will only be eligible for a family OWP if the student is enrolled in one of the following:
Spouses of foreign workers will be eligible for a family OWP if the foreign worker is employed in:
The foreign worker must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when the spouse applies for an OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for OWPs under this program.
Validity and Renewal of Existing OWPs
Existing OWPs approved under previous criteria will remain valid until their expiry date. Family members in Canada who wish to extend their work permits can do so if they meet the following conditions:
- The renewal application is based on the same criteria as the current OWP.
- The requested duration matches the study or work permit of the principal applicant.
Exemptions and Alternative Options
- Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to Canadian permanent residence are not affected by these changes.
- Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP may still apply for other types of work permits they are eligible for under Canada’s work permit programs.
Implementation and Further Information
The updated list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations will be published on January 21, 2025. These measures are part of Canada’s broader strategy, announced in September 2024, to optimize the benefits of its immigration programs while addressing the evolving needs of the labour market.
If you have questions about these changes or need assistance determining your eligibility, Doherty Fultz Immigration is here to help. Contact us today to explore your options and receive expert guidance on work permit applications for you and your family.
Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members of Temporary Residents
On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of temporary residents. These changes, effective January 21, 2025, aim to align Canada’s immigration programs with the country’s economic goals and labour market needs while maintaining program integrity.
Key Changes to Open Work Permits
- Eligibility for Spouses of International Students
Spouses of Canadian international students will only be eligible for a family OWP if the student is enrolled in one of the following:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional and eligible programs
- Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers
Spouses of foreign workers will be eligible for a family OWP if the foreign worker is employed in:
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations (high-skilled jobs)
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labour shortages or linked to government priorities, such as:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Health care
- Natural resources
- Education
- Sports and military sectors
The foreign worker must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when the spouse applies for an OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for OWPs under this program.
Validity and Renewal of Existing OWPs
Existing OWPs approved under previous criteria will remain valid until their expiry date. Family members in Canada who wish to extend their work permits can do so if they meet the following conditions:
- The renewal application is based on the same criteria as the current OWP.
- The requested duration matches the study or work permit of the principal applicant.
Exemptions and Alternative Options
- Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to Canadian permanent residence are not affected by these changes.
- Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP may still apply for other types of work permits they are eligible for under Canada’s work permit programs.
Implementation and Further Information
The updated list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations will be published on January 21, 2025. These measures are part of Canada’s broader strategy, announced in September 2024, to optimize the benefits of its immigration programs while addressing the evolving needs of the labour market.
If you have questions about these changes or need assistance determining your eligibility, Doherty Fultz Immigration is here to help. Contact us today to explore your options and receive expert guidance on work permit applications for you and your family.
