Canada Revises Family Open Work Permits, Expected To Benefit Thousands Of Indians

Last Updated:January 15, 2025, 18:07 IST

Starting January 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers can apply for open work permits.

Canada’s OWP changes exclude dependent children, while foreign workers’ spouses must have 16 months left on their permit. (IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK)

The Canadian government has revised open work permit (OWP) regulations for spouses of international students and foreign employees, a decision expected to positively impact thousands of Indians residing in Canada. The announcement comes shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation.

According to a report by India Today, starting January 21, 2025, only spouses of qualifying international students and foreign workers will be eligible to apply for an open work permit (OWP), with new conditions based on the duration of study programs and high-demand job sectors.

This update is expected to benefit Indian students, which would allow many to bring their spouses to Canada for employment while they pursue their studies or work.

The revised OWP eligibility will be restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s programmes lasting 16 months or more, doctoral programmes, or certain professional programmes.

Family OWPs will be restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in TEER 1 occupations or selected TEER 2 or 3 roles within sectors facing labour shortages or aligned with government priorities. These sectors include natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports and military, the report by India Today said, citing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The foreign worker must have a minimum of 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP. The Canadian government will implement stricter eligibility requirements for dependent children, who will no longer qualify for family OWPs.

Family members who no longer qualify for a family OWP can explore other work permit options available under Canada’s work permit programmes, the IRCC said.

In September, the IRCC forecasted a decline in the proportion of temporary residents in Canada, predicting a drop from 6.5% of the total population to 5% by 2026.

Additionally, the Canadian government revealed a 10% reduction in the target for international student study permits in 2025, lowering the goal from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000. The number of study permits will remain unchanged in 2026 compared to 2025, according to the IRCC.

News world Canada Revises Family Open Work Permits, Expected To Benefit Thousands Of Indians