Canada Implements Restrictions on Open Work Permit Rules in January 2025

The Government of Canada has introduced stricter regulations on work permits for family members of international students and foreign workers. This rule will be effective on January 21, 2025. 

Family Open Work Permits will now be restricted to the spouses or common-law partners of international students enrolled in the following programs:

• Master’s programs lasting 16 months or more
• Doctoral programs
• Eligible programs are listed below.

Previously, spouses of students in shorter master’s programs were also eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This eligibility has now been revoked.

Family OWPs for Foreign Workers

OWPs for foreign workers’ spouses or common-law partners will be limited to those working in TEER 0 and TEER 1 occupations. Additionally, it will also include selective occupations in TEER 2 or 3 such as:-

• Natural and applied sciences
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Natural resources
• Education
• Sports
• Military sectors

Note: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will publish a complete list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations on January 21, 2025.

Additional Restrictions

The two additional restrictions on Open Work Permits are as follows:-

• The foreign worker must have at least 16 months of validity remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s application.
• Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for family OWPs.

Renewal Policy of OPWs

OWPs issued under earlier policies that remain unexpired will continue to be valid. Family members in Canada, including spouses and dependent children, can renew their permits as long as the requested renewal duration matches the validity. Applicants for an Open Work Permit (OWP) under this policy must pay the standard Canada Work Permit.

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Eligible Educational Programs Except Master’s and Doctoral Levels

Family OWPs will remain available to spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in the following:-

• 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)

Exceptions to the Changes

Spouses and common-law partners of workers covered under free trade agreements (FTAs) are exempt from these changes. Additionally, those being sponsored by a Canadian partner for permanent residency (PR) can still apply for a SOWP if they have temporary legal status in Canada.

Impact of the Policy on Immigrants

The changes are expected to reduce family OWP issuances by 50,000 for international students and 100,000 for foreign workers over three years. Open Work Permits provide flexibility, allowing holders to work for most employers across Canada without being tied to a specific job or having an LMIA.

These changes are part of a broader effort by IRCC to manage the number of temporary residents who immigrate to Canada. At a September 2024 press conference, Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined these reforms as part of a strategy to address housing supply and affordability concerns.

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