Important Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members – 14/01/2025
Effective January 21, 2025, the Canadian government has implemented changes to the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers.
Key Changes:
- Eligibility for Spouses of International Students:
- Limited to spouses of students enrolled in:
- Master’s programs of 16 months or longer
- Doctoral programs
- Select professional and eligible programs
- Limited to spouses of students enrolled in:
- Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers:
- Restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in:
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations
- Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in high-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, technology, skilled trades).
- Foreign workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit.
- Restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in:
- Dependent Children of Foreign Workers: No longer eligible for Open Work Permits under these changes.
Who is Not Affected?
- Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements.
- Spouses of individuals transitioning to permanent residence.
Navigating these changes can be complex.
Liberty Immigration can help. Our team of experienced immigration professionals can:
- Assess your eligibility for an Open Work Permit under the new guidelines.
- Guide you through the application process and ensure your application is complete and accurate.
- Explore alternative work permit options if you are no longer eligible for an Open Work Permit.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
