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Canada Tightens Open Work Permit Eligibility for Families of International Students and Foreign Workers

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In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) affecting family members of international students and foreign workers. Effective January 21, 2025, these changes aim to align Canada’s immigration policies with its economic objectives while addressing concerns over housing shortages and strained public services.

Revised Eligibility for Spouses of International Students

Under the new regulations, only spouses or common-law partners of international students enrolled in specific programs will be eligible for OWPs. These programs include:

  • Master’s Programs: Must be at least 16 months in duration.
  • Doctoral Programs: All doctoral programs are eligible.
  • Select Professional Programs: Details on these programs will be provided by IRCC.

Previously, spouses of students in various programs, regardless of duration, could obtain OWPs. This change narrows the eligibility to longer and more specialized courses of study.

Updated Criteria for Spouses of Foreign Workers

For foreign workers, spousal OWP eligibility will now be limited to those whose partners are employed in specific occupations classified under the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system. Eligible categories include:

TEER 0 and 1 Occupations: These encompass managerial and professional roles.

Select TEER 2 and 3 Occupations: Focused on sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities, such as natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and military sectors. A comprehensive list of eligible occupations will be released by IRCC on January 21, 2025.

Additionally, the principal foreign worker’s permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of the spouse’s OWP application.

Impact on Dependent Children

A notable change is the exclusion of dependent children from eligibility for family OWPs. While existing permits will remain valid, renewals will be subject to the new, stricter criteria.

Exemptions to the New Rules
Certain groups will remain unaffected by these changes:

Spouses of Workers under Free Trade Agreements: Individuals covered by agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will continue to qualify for OWPs.

Families Transitioning to Permanent Residency: Those in the process of obtaining permanent resident status will still be eligible for OWPs.

Public and Economic Reactions
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions:

International Students and Families: Concerns have been raised about potential family separations and financial hardships due to the tightened eligibility.

Employers: Industries reliant on international talent fear negative impacts on workforce morale and retention.

Economic Analysts: Some experts caution that reducing the number of temporary residents could slow economic growth, as lower population growth may lead to decreased gross domestic product (GDP).

Government’s Rationale

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that these measures are essential for managing population growth and maintaining the integrity of immigration programs. The government aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years, down from 6.2% in 2023. This reduction is intended to alleviate pressures on housing and public services.

Conclusion

Canada’s updated OWP regulations represent a strategic effort to balance economic priorities with sustainable immigration practices. While the focus is on supporting high-demand sectors, the broader social and economic impacts will require careful monitoring. Affected individuals and families are encouraged to explore alternative pathways and stay informed through official channels.

Stay Informed with Worldbridge Immigration Services

Navigating these changes can be challenging. Worldbridge Immigration Services is here to provide guidance and support tailored to your unique situation.

Contact Us:

Website: www.theworldbridge.ca

Email: info@theworldbridge.ca

Phone/WhatsApp: +1-416-727-7766 Social Media: @worldbridgeHQ

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