Canada plans to tighten immigration eligibility requirements.

Canada is set to introduce stricter rules for spousal open work permits (OWPs), a move that could significantly impact families of international students and foreign workers across the country.

Starting Tuesday, January 21, eligibility for these permits will be restricted to spouses of certain individuals, marking a key part of the broader immigration-tightening measures announced last September. These changes may make it more challenging for some newcomers to work in Canada while supporting their families.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new rules, outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), narrow the eligibility criteria for family OWPs:

• International Students: Only spouses of students enrolled in specific programs will qualify for OWPs. These include:
  • Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer
  • Doctoral programs
  • Select professional degree programs, such as law, nursing, education, engineering, and pharmacy
• Foreign Workers: Eligibility will apply to spouses of workers in:
  • TEER 0 or 1 occupations (management-level roles and jobs requiring university degrees)
  • Specific TEER 2 and 3 jobs tied to labor shortages or government priorities, such as health care, military, education, construction, and natural resources.

Foreign workers must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permits when their spouse applies for an OWP. Additionally, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer qualify under these permits.

Impact and Transitional Measures

OWPs issued under the previous criteria will remain valid until their expiration date. Families already in Canada on a valid permit can renew their permits if they meet the original conditions.

Certain groups will be unaffected by these changes, such as spouses of workers covered under free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence.

For those no longer eligible for a family OWP, the IRCC advises considering other work permits available through Canada’s immigration programs.

These adjustments reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to refine its immigration policies, which may have significant implications for many families hoping to build their lives in the country.

These new regulations align with Canada’s goal to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% of the population to 5% by 2026, a plan initially announced in March 2024.

If you’re a newcomer or planning to move to Canada soon, reviewing these updated eligibility criteria is essential. Be sure to consult the official IRCC website for comprehensive and up-to-date details.

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