Changes to Open Work Permit for Spouses in Canada: What You Need to Know

The Canadian government has recently announced significant changes to the Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility criteria for spouses of international students and foreign workers. These changes may directly impact those planning to live and work in Canada.

If you are considering applying for an Open Work Permit as the spouse of a foreign worker, review the new requirements and consider how they may affect your immigration plans.

Who is Still Eligible to Apply for an Open Work Permit?

From now on, only spouses of foreign workers employed in the following categories under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system will be eligible to apply for the OWP:

• TEER 0 (management and senior leadership occupations);

• TEER 1 (occupations requiring a university degree or specialized training);

• Certain TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations (only the selected professions listed by the Canadian government).

This means that not all spouses of foreign workers will be entitled to an Open Work Permit, making it crucial to verify eligibility before applying.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the changes in occupational criteria, the government has also set new important requirements for applying for an Open Work Permit:

• The principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s application.

• Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for an Open Work Permit.

What if the Application Was Submitted Before January 21, 2025?

The previous criteria will still apply if you or your spouse applied before January 21, 2025. This means the new rules will not affect applications sent before this date.

What Should You Do Now?

If you want to check your eligibility for an Open Work Permit or need to create a new immigration plan, our experts are here to help you navigate the process.

Contact our team at contact@evisaimmigration.com for personalized guidance on your case.