Canada Updates Its Open Work Permit Regulations for International Families in January 2025

Important Information for Families Considering Canada in 2025: A policy bombshell from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made its once-family-friendly Open Work Permit system a much more restricted club.

Spouses and working-age children of temporary residents no longer have unencumbered employment options. Families hoping to settle in Canada have been caught off guard by the IRCC’s revised regulations, which went into effect on January 21/22, 2025.

What Changed Family Open Work Permits?

In the past, Canada was a refuge for international students and workers, providing the golden ticket of Family Open Work Permits to their spouses and dependant children. This made it possible for people to support the economy while working anywhere and for any business. However, the IRCC has since tightened the leash:

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New Guidelines for Foreign Workers’ Families

1. Spouses Only: Spouses of highly skilled foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, or specific TEER 2 and 3 occupations (such as healthcare, construction, and the natural sciences) are now the only ones eligible for open work permits.
   • No More Children at Work: Unless their parents are pursuing a permanent residency, dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for open work permits.
   • Long-Term Commitment: Following receipt of the spouse’s application by the IRCC, the foreign worker’s permit must be valid for a minimum of 16 months.

New Guidelines for International Students’ Families:

Many families find it to be a difficult pill to swallow. Open work permits are now only available to spouses of overseas students enrolled in specific programs:

• programs for master’s degrees that last at least 16 months,
  • Doctoral courses, or
  • Select professional programs aligned with government priorities.

What Makes It So Important?

This is a game-changer for families preparing to settle in Canada. For many years, Canada was alluring due to the prospect of open work permits. Working-age children might obtain useful employment experience, and spouses could help support the family. Many people are now losing those dreams.

Imagine leaving your life behind to help your partner with their studies or profession, only to discover that your own chances are drastically reduced. For many families, it’s a financial setback in addition to a personal one.

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Who Is Not Affected?

A few people are not affected by this policy storm. The benefits are still available to spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements (such as CUSMA) and those pursuing permanent residency. However, the window of opportunity is substantially smaller for everyone else.

What Are the Effects on Employers?

Employers are also not exempt. Filling positions became more difficult due to a declining pool of talent, particularly for non-managerial and non-professional roles. Employing local talent or those who are currently permitted to work in Canada may require businesses to step up their efforts.

What Happens If You’ve Applied Already?

For the early birds, good news! You are protected by the previous regulations if you applied for a Canadian Open Work Permit as a spouse or kid before January 21, 2025. Existing open work permits are still valid, and if the primary applicant’s status is still favorable, spouses may extend their licenses.

Announcement: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/changes-open-work-permits-family-members-temporary-residents.html.