New Changes to Canada’s Family Open Work Permit Policy: What You Need to Know
Spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible for a Canadian Family OWP if the principal applicant is employed in selected occupations
On January 21, 2025, Canada introduced significant changes to its Family Open Work Permit (OWP) policy, affecting the eligibility of spouses and dependent children of international students and foreign workers.
Key Changes for International Students
Spouses of international students will now only qualify for a Family OWP if their partner is enrolled in one of the following programs:
Master’s programs that are at least 16 months long
Doctoral (PhD) programs
Select Bachelor’s and eligible programs (Full list here )
This means that spouses of undergraduate students not on the list above or shorter diploma programs will no longer be eligible for an open work permit under these new rules.
Key Changes for Foreign Workers
Spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible for a Family OWP if the principal applicant is employed in:
TEER 0 or 1 occupations (these are high-skilled positions such as management roles and professional careers)
Select TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations in industries facing labor shortages or identified as a government priority. These include fields such as:
Natural and applied sciences
Construction
Health care
Natural resources
Education
Sports and military sectors
Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of their spouse’s OWP application.
Impact on Dependent Children
Unlike the previous policy, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for a Family OWP.
Renewals and Transition Period
For those who already have an approved Family OWP under the previous rules, the following considerations apply:
Existing Family OWPs will remain valid until their expiration date.
If a student needs more time to complete their studies or a family member received a shorter work permit than the principal applicant, in-Canada family members can apply for a renewal if:
They meet the same eligibility criteria as their current permit.
The renewal request aligns with the study or work permit duration of the principal applicant.
Who Is Not Affected?
Spouses of workers covered under free-trade agreements
Families of individuals transitioning to permanent residence
What If You No Longer Qualify for a Family OWP?
If a family member is no longer eligible under the new rules, they can still apply for other types of work permits under Canada’s general work permit programs, provided they meet the specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
These changes reflect Canada’s effort to prioritize skilled workers and align immigration policies with labor market needs. If you or your family are affected by these new rules, it’s essential to plan ahead and explore alternative options. For personalized guidance, book a consultation with Rita Benkhalti, our regulated immigration consultant at North Horizon Immigration.
