Canada work permit rules tighten for spouses of international students

Canada has amended the rules for open work permits (OPWs) for spouses of international students and foreign workers.  

Under the new regulations, spouses of students enrolled in study programmes other than full-time ones will also be eligible to apply for open work permits. 

To bring their spouses, the student must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral program lasting 16 months or more.

However, students enrolled in 12-month master’s programmes will not be able to bring their spouses to Canada.

This policy will take effect from January 21, 2025, allowing open work permits to be issued based on the duration of the study programme and demand in high-need job sectors.  

Moreover, family OWPs for foreign workers will be limited to spouses or common-law partners of those working in Training Education Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) occupations including:

Natural and applied sciences

Construction

Healthcare

Natural resources

Education

Sports 

Military sectors

Notably, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.

According to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), individuals working under an open work visa will not be eligible for other types of work permits. Moreover, those working under old regulations will have their visas renewed according to the new rules.  

What is an Open Work Permit?

An Open Work Permit (OWP) authorises a person to work in Canada in any job, without restrictions.  The holder of an OWP does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or confirmation of employment first. 

Once issued an OWP, the holder can apply and work in any job/occupation in Canada.

An international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme.