Canada is revamping its immigration rules. Canada has implemented some changes to the family open work permit (OWP) from January. New restrictions will be imposed on open work permit eligibility. The rules now say that a temporary foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on the work permit at the time his or her spouse applies for OWP.

Starting January 21, new restrictions will apply to Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of temporary foreign workers and those studying in Canada. These measures are designed to limit access to these permits in specific circumstances and tighten eligibility criteria. As for family members of temporary foreign workers, family OWPs are now limited to spouses and common-law partners of temporary foreign workers who are employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations classified in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), or TEER 2 or 3 occupations in labour shortage sectors or occupations associated with government priorities. The full list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations is available on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Foreign worker must have 18 months remaining on work permit

According to a report, it should also be noted that a temporary foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on his work permit at the time his spouse applies for OWP.

Changes in relation to those studying in Canada

From now on, only the spouse or common-law partner of a student enrolled in one of the following programs will be eligible for the Family OWP:

Master’s programs that last 16 months or more

Doctoral programs

Professional and eligible programs

Regarding dependent children

As of January 21, dependent children of foreigners studying in Canada and temporary foreign workers will no longer be eligible for the Family OWP.

Exceptions to the new restrictions

Recent changes from IRCC do not affect spouses or partners of workers covered under free-trade agreements, nor those moving to permanent residence.