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The Canada Family Open Work Permit program is undergoing major changes starting January 21, 2025, as announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Part of the update deals with who spouses and common-law partners of international students and foreign workers are eligible for. If you’re navigating these changes, consult the Best Canada Immigration Consultants for expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Eligibility for the Canada Family Open Work Permit for spouses or common-law partners will now be limited to:
The Canada Family Open Work Permit for spouses of foreign workers will now apply only if the worker is employed in:
To qualify, foreign workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of their spouse’s application. Notably, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.
The Canada Family Open Work Permit for spouses of foreign workers will now apply only if the worker is employed in:
Foreign workers need to still be residents on their work permit past 16 months before their spouse applies. Additionally, foreign worker’s dependent children will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.
Targets for work permit holders under each program are listed below:
| Work permit type | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | 285,750 | 128,700 | 155,700 |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | 82,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 |
| Total | 367,750 | 210,700 | 237,700 |
| Level of study | Language requirements | Field of study requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| College program or other non-university program | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| Level of study | Language requirements | Field of study requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
| College program or other non-university program | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
Existing Canada Family Open Work Permits issued under previous policies will remain valid until their expiry. In the case where a family member received a shorter work permit than the one that was issued to the sponsoring permit holder, they can screen for renewal as long as the new duration is the same as that which is valid in the work or study permit of the permit holder.
The exemptions include spouses of individuals covered by free trade agreements (FTAs) or those sponsored for permanent residence (PR). Those granted legal temporary status as a PR applicant in Canada can still apply for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
These changes are part of IRCC’s response to housing and affordability issues by curbing temporary residents, including family OWPs. Other proposed reforms include tighter eligibility for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), language proficiency requirements, and field of study requirements for certain applicants.
Understanding and navigating these changes to the Canada Family Open Work Permit requires expert guidance. Being the Top Immigration Consultants in Dubai, UAE, Trenity Immigration Consultants are here to offer you customized solutions that will lead you to your Canadian goals.
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