Key Points:
- Revised Open Work Permits (OWP): Starting January 21, 2025, new regulations will limit OWP eligibility to spouses of specific international students and foreign workers.
- Targeted Eligibility: Spouses of students in master’s or doctoral programs and foreign workers in high-demand sectors will qualify.
- Family OWP Changes: Dependent children no longer qualify, and spouses must meet stricter eligibility requirements.
- Support for Key Sectors: Eligible occupations include healthcare, construction, natural resources, and education.
- Lower Study Permit Targets: Canada will reduce its international student permits target by 10% in 2025, impacting new entrants.
New Delhi: In a significant update for international families, the Canadian government has announced changes to its Open Work Permit (OWP) program, impacting the spouses of international students and foreign workers. The new rules, effective January 21, 2025, aim to align work permits with Canada’s labor market needs and tighten eligibility criteria.
Impact on International Students and Their Families
The revised OWP policy will allow only specific categories of international students and foreign workers to bring their spouses to Canada on open work permits.
For International Students:
- Spouses are eligible for OWPs if the student is enrolled in:
- Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.
- Doctoral programs or certain professional courses.
For Foreign Workers:
- OWPs for spouses are limited to workers in TEER 1 jobs or selected TEER 2/3 roles.
- Eligible sectors include healthcare, construction, natural and applied sciences, education, and military-related roles.
- Workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permits when applying for spousal OWPs.
Tighter Rules for Families
- Dependent Children: No longer eligible for family OWPs under the revised rules.
- Alternative Options: Family members can explore other work permits through Canada’s existing programs.
Broader Immigration Context
Decline in Temporary Residents:
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has forecasted a drop in the percentage of temporary residents in Canada, from 6.5% of the population in 2024 to 5% by 2026.
Reduced Study Permit Targets:
- The Canadian government will reduce the international student permit target by 10% in 2025, from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025.
- The number will remain unchanged in 2026, reflecting a focus on managing the strain on housing and infrastructure.
Why These Changes Matter
The revised OWP rules and reduced student permits reflect Canada’s shift toward addressing labor shortages in critical sectors while balancing its immigration policies. For Indian students and workers, the changes offer targeted opportunities but also stricter requirements.
While the new rules bring opportunities for some, they also impose stricter conditions on international families seeking to work and live in Canada. The focus on aligning immigration with labor market needs signals Canada’s evolving strategy to balance economic growth with infrastructure demands.
