Canada has always been a right destination for international students either for education or work for several years.Discover the latest OWP updates for the family of temporary residents in Canada, effective from 2025. Learn about eligibility for spouses of international students and foreign workers, renewal guidelines, and how Abroad Gateway can assist with your work permit application. International students migrate to Canada for attaining high-quality education in the world’s top-ranked universities and colleges. They get work opportunities during and after their studies. Canada changes its rules for international students frequently.
The latest changes that have been on the top these days are, Open work permits for family members of temporary residents in Canada have changed starting from the month of January, 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is changing Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility for international students’ family members.
What are the new family OWP (Open Work Permit) for Temporary Residents in Canada?
The changes in Family Open Work Permits will go into effect from 21st January, 2025. Only spouses of international students and foreign workers in Canada will be able to apply for a family Open Work Permit (OWP).
For spouses of international students
- Spouses of international students who are enrolled in doctoral programs or master’s programs (16 months or more than this)
For spouses of foreign workers
- Spouses of foreign workers who are employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or TEER 2 or 3 occupations with labour shortage sectors, including natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and military. The complete list of all the sectors will be available on 21st January, 2025.
- Make sure when spouses apply for the family open work permits, the foreign workers must have not less than 16 months on their work permit at that time.
- Now, Open work Permit will be available for spouses only not even for the dependent children of foreign workers.
| TEER | Employment options |
| TEER 0 | Advertising, marketing and public relations managers, Financial managers |
| TEER 1 | Financial advisors, Software engineers |
| TEER 2 | Computer network and web technicians, Medical laboratory technologists |
| TEER 3 | Bakers, Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| TEER 4 | Home child care providers, Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers |
| TEER 5 | Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers, Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors |
Guidelines for Renewing Open Work Permits for Family Members in Canada
Family members including spouses and dependent children of international students or foreign workers in Canada can apply to renew their work permit if:
- The study or work permit of the principal applicant is still valid, has not expired, the family member either spouse or dependent child can apply to renew or extend their Open Work Permit.
- The family member either spouse or dependent child must be available in Canada at the time of applying for the renewal.
- The international student wants to extend his/her study permit due to delays in completing program, spouse can also apply to renew open work permit.
- The family member’s work permit is about to expire, they can apply for an extension before the expiration date to maintain their legal status, and they cannot work beyond the expiration date if renewal is not approved.
- The parent’s permit is extended or renewed, dependent children are eligible for renewal. The dependent child remains eligible as a dependent under 22 yearsold or over 22 years old(if disabled).
Reason for Changes: Supporting Economic Growth and Labour Market Needs
The Government of Canada wants to enhance the quality of temporary resident programs while keeping in mind the economic goals of the country and labor market needs. Therefore, changes are made to address labor market needs, support economic growth, and provide flexibility to workers.
Need Help with Visa Processing?
If you are a family member of a temporary resident, make sure you have checked the latest updates regarding work permit application in Canada. If you want to apply before 21st January 2025, Abroad Gateway will help you wholeheartedly.
We are the best Canada study Visa and work visa immigration consultant in Chandigarh. We’ll file your application within 2 days and you get positive result surely.
