Eligibility for Spouses of International Students
Under the new policy, Family Open Work Permit (OWP) will only be available to spouses of international students who are enrolled in:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer,
- Doctoral programs, or
- Select professional and eligible programs.
Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers
For foreign workers, family OWPs will be limited to spouses of those employed in:
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labour shortages or aligned with government priorities.
These occupations include roles in:
- Natural and applied sciences,
- Construction,
- Health care,
- Natural resources,
- Education,
- Sports, and
- Military sectors.
The complete list of eligible occupations will be available on January 21, 2025.
Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time their spouse applies for an OWP.
Dependent Children No Longer Eligible
Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for a family OWP under these changes.
Renewal of Existing OWPs
OWPs approved under the previous rules and still valid will remain so. Family members in Canada can apply to renew their work permits if:
- They meet the same eligibility criteria as their current permit, and
- The renewal request aligns with the duration of the principal applicant's study or work permit.
Exceptions and Alternative Options
- Spouses of foreign workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence will not be affected.
- Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can explore other work permit options under Canada’s work permit programs.
