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Canada announces changes to open work permit eligibility for international workers starting January 21, 2025

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced significant updates to the eligibility criteria for family members of international workers and students applying for Open Work Permits (OWPs).

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that these changes, set to take effect on January 21, 2025, are designed to streamline Canada’s temporary resident programs and align them more closely with the needs of the Canadian economy and labor market.

The revised policies will impact the work opportunities for family members of foreign workers and students, particularly in terms of eligibility and application processes.

For those interested in studying in Canada or securing work opportunities in the country, the new rules may bring both challenges and opportunities.

In this article, we’ll explore the updated criteria, what the changes mean for family members of international workers, and who might be affected.

Key Updates to Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada

The most significant change in Canada’s Open Work Permit program is the adjustment to the eligibility for spousal permits.

Previously, spouses of international students and workers were eligible for an open work permit based on more flexible criteria.

With the new regulations, the requirements are being narrowed, which means that fewer individuals may qualify for an OWP.

For Spouses of International Students:

Spouses of international students in Canada will now face more stringent rules when applying for an OWP.

The following conditions will determine eligibility:

Master’s Degree Programs: Spouses of students enrolled in a Master’s program in Canada are eligible for an open work permit, but only if the program is at least 16 months long.

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This means that shorter programs will no longer be eligible for spousal work permits.

Doctoral Programs: Spouses of international students pursuing a doctoral degree will remain eligible to apply for an open work permit, with no major changes.

Professional Programs: Some professional programs may also qualify for spousal work permits, but detailed information on these programs will be provided by the IRCC on January 21, 2025.

The list of eligible professional programs will likely be limited, so applicants should stay updated with the latest IRCC announcements.

For Spouses of Foreign Workers:

Spouses of foreign workers in Canada will also face changes under the new system.

Eligibility for spousal work permits will be determined by the type of job the principal applicant holds:

High-Skill Jobs: Spouses of foreign workers employed in high-skill occupations (classified under TEER 0 or TEER 1 of the National Occupational Classification or NOC) will continue to be eligible for an open work permit.

Labor Shortage Sectors: A new provision allows spouses of foreign workers in TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations to apply for work permits.

However, this will only apply if the job is in an industry facing a labor shortage or one that aligns with government priorities.

Examples of eligible sectors include natural sciences, healthcare, construction, natural resources, education, sports, and military.

Remaining Valid Work Permit Duration: For the spouse to be eligible for an OWP, the principal worker must have at least 16 months left on their work permit when the spouse applies.

This is an important stipulation to ensure the continued validity of the work permit for the entire family.

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Impact on Dependent Children and Renewals

One of the most noteworthy changes under the new policy is the exclusion of dependent children from eligibility for family Open Work Permits.

Previously, dependent children of international workers and students could apply for their own work permits, but under the new rules, only spouses will be eligible for these permits.

Existing permits issued under the previous rules will remain valid until they expire, but when it comes time for renewal, the updated eligibility criteria will apply.

This means that family members of foreign workers and students can only renew their permits if they still meet the updated requirements.

Additionally, any renewals must coincide with the principal applicant’s ongoing work or study permit.

Exceptions to the New Eligibility Criteria

While the updated Open Work Permit eligibility requirements are more restrictive, there are exceptions.

These include:

Free Trade Agreements: Spouses of employees covered under Canada’s free trade agreements will not be subject to the new limitations.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: For individuals who are in the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada, eligibility for family Open Work Permits will not be affected by these new changes.

Other Work Permit Options: If family members no longer meet the new eligibility criteria for an OWP, they can still apply for other types of work permits under Canada’s broader immigration framework, provided they meet the specific requirements for those permits.

The Potential Impact of the New Rules on International Students and Workers in Canada

These changes to the Open Work Permit program could have a significant impact on international students and workers, especially when it comes to family dynamics.

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With the more limited eligibility for spousal work permits, there are concerns that some potential international students may be discouraged from coming to Canada if they are worried about the inability of their spouse to work.

This could affect Canada’s attractiveness as a destination for higher education and skilled labor.

On the other hand, employers, particularly those in industries with significant labor shortages, may see these changes as an opportunity to address specific skills gaps.

However, there are concerns that these new rules could reduce employee morale and retention in sectors that rely heavily on foreign talent, as some workers may find it difficult to balance their professional and family life in Canada without their spouse being able to contribute financially.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to Canada’s Open Work Permit eligibility for family members of international students and workers are designed to align the program more closely with the country’s economic and labor market needs.

However, these modifications may create challenges for some families, particularly those with dependent children or spouses who are no longer eligible for work permits.

It’s crucial for those affected by these changes to stay informed and explore other available options within Canada’s immigration framework.

For further details on the changes, individuals can visit the official IRCC website: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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