NEW UPDATE ON OPEN WORK PERMITS (OWP) IN CANADA 2025

📌 The Government of Canada has announced significant changes to the issuance of Open Work Permits (OWP) for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and quality of temporary residence programs while supporting Canada’s labor market and economic growth.

💡 Key Changes:

1️⃣ Spouses of International Students: Only spouses of international students enrolled in the following programs will be eligible for an OWP:

– Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.

– Doctoral programs.

– Selected professional programs (specific details to be announced later).

2️⃣ Spouses of Foreign Workers: The foreign worker must be employed in one of the following occupations:

– TEER 0 or 1 (high-level occupations), or

– TEER 2 or 3 in fields experiencing labor shortages or tied to government priorities (e.g., healthcare, construction, education, sports, military, etc.). Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time their spouse applies for an OWP.

Note: Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for an OWP.

📋 Regulations for Existing OWPs:

– OWPs already approved under the previous rules and still valid will remain valid.

– Family members can renew their OWP if:

+ The renewal application is based on the same criteria as the current OWP.

+ The requested renewal duration matches the remaining validity of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.

❗ Exemptions:

– Spouses of workers covered by free trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residency will not be affected.

– Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP may still apply for other types of work permits if eligible.

⏰ Implementation Date: January 21, 2025.
Stay tuned for detailed announcements regarding the list of eligible occupations and related programs!

📝 Important Note: If you or your family are planning to apply for an OWP, ensure you review these new regulations to confirm your eligibility. This is a major change, so don’t hesitate to contact SICON for quick and professional assistance!