Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Agency is introducing new measures that it says will improve the integrity of its temporary resident program, aligning it with the country’s economic and labor market priorities. In a notice released Tuesday, the Government of Canada announced changes to the Family Open Work Permit (FWOP) effective January 21.
FWOPS allows families of foreign workers and international students to seek employment with any organization in Canada. They can work without restriction for any employer across the country, provided they meet certain conditions.
Main changes:
qualification Spouse of international student
Starting January 21, only spouses of international students enrolled in certain programs will be eligible for an Open Family Work Permit (OWP). These include students in master’s programs lasting more than 16 months, doctoral programs, and some professional or certificate programs.
Spouse status of foreign workers
Similarly, the spouse of a foreign worker may also be employed in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation in a sector where that worker faces labor shortages or is consistent with government priorities, or in a specific TEER 2 or 3 occupation. You can only qualify for OWP if you are employed in an occupation. These fields include natural sciences, applied sciences, construction, medicine, education, and more. The complete list of eligible occupations will be published on January 21, 2025, the government said in a notification. Additionally, if the spouse applies for OWP, the foreign worker’s work permit must have at least 16 months remaining. Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for Family OWP.
Impact on existing permits
OWPs approved under previous actions remain valid until their expiry date. If a student or worker requires more time to complete a program, or if a family member has received a shorter work permit than the individual applicant, family members in Canada (spouse or dependents) may (including children) can apply for work permit renewal. However, the renewal application must meet the same criteria as the original work permit, and the requested period must match the period of the main applicant’s study permit or work permit.
exception
Spouses of workers covered by free trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence will not be affected by the new changes. Family members who no longer qualify for family OWP can apply for other types of work permits for which they are eligible under Canada’s extensive work permit program.
