📢 Big Changes Ahead for Family Open Work Permits in Canada!
Starting January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing new restrictions on open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes aim to align immigration policies with Canada’s economic goals and address labor market needs.
Here’s a breakdown of what this means for you and your family. 👇
Key Updates to Open Work Permits (OWPs)
1️⃣ Eligibility for Spouses of International Students
Spouses of international students will only qualify for a family OWP if the student is enrolled in:
• 🎓 Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer,
• 🎓 Doctoral programs, or
• 📚 Select professional programs (e.g., medicine, law, engineering, etc.).
2️⃣ Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers
Spouses of foreign workers can apply for an OWP if the worker is employed in:
• 💼 TEER 0 or 1 occupations (high-skilled jobs), or
• 🛠️ Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labor shortages or government priorities, such as:
🔬 Natural and applied sciences,
🏗️ Construction,
🏥 Healthcare,
🌲 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 the spouse’s application.
3️⃣ Dependent Children No Longer Eligible
🚫 Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify for family OWPs. However, they can still apply for study permits if eligible.
What Happens to Existing Open Work Permits?
• ✅ Opern Work Permits approved under the previous rules will remain valid until their expiry date.
• 🔄 Family members already in Canada can renew their permits if they meet the same criteria as their current open work permits and align the renewal duration with the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Who is Exempt from These Changes?
• 🤝 Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA) and those transitioning to permanent residence are not affected.
• 💡 Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can explore other work permit options under Canada’s immigration programs.
Why These Changes?
The Canadian government is focusing on managing the growing number of temporary residents while addressing housing 🏠 and labor market challenges 📈.
By targeting specific sectors and occupations, these measures aim to ensure that immigration supports Canada’s economic priorities.
What Should You Do Next?
If you or your family members are affected by these changes, it’s crucial to plan ahead. 🗓️
💼 Consult with a professional immigration consultant to explore your options and ensure a smooth application process.
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