In a significant move reflecting Canada’s evolving immigration priorities, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that new restrictions will be placed on family Open Work Permits (OWPs) starting January 21, 2025. These changes, first revealed in September 2024, are part of broader reforms aimed at reducing temporary residency numbers to address pressing issues such as housing shortages and economic sustainability. The restrictions will reshape how spouses, common-law partners, and families of international students and foreign workers access work opportunities in Canada.
Effective January 21, 2025, family OWPs will be limited to specific categories of individuals, both among international students and foreign workers.
For Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Foreign Workers:
Spouses of foreign workers will qualify for OWPs only if the principal worker is employed in:
● TEER 0 or 1 Occupations, which include managerial roles and jobs requiring extensive training or specialized knowledge.
● Select TEER 2 and 3 Occupations, specifically in key sectors like healthcare, natural resources, construction, education, and sports.
A detailed list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 roles will be published by IRCC upon the policy’s implementation. To qualify, the principal foreign worker’s permit must also have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of application.
For Spouses or Common-Law Partners of International Students:
Eligibility for family OWPs will now be restricted to students enrolled in:
● Master’s Programs of at least 16 months in duration.
● Doctoral Programs (PhD or equivalent).
● Select Professional Programs, including fields like medicine, law, engineering, and nursing.
Previously, the program allowed spouses of international students to apply regardless of the program length or level of study, as long as the student held a valid study permit. This change significantly narrows the scope of eligibility and aligns with the government’s objective to manage the influx of temporary residents.
Dependent Children:
Unlike previous policies, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs.
Although the changes impose stricter criteria, certain educational programs outside the master’s and doctoral levels remain eligible for family OWPs. These include:
● Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS/DMD)
● Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
● Doctor of Medicine (MD)
● Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
● Bachelor of Education (BEd)
● Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BASc)
Family OWPs issued under previous guidelines will remain valid until their expiration. In cases where a spouse’s work permit was issued for a shorter duration than the sponsoring permit holder’s, extensions can be requested, provided the new duration matches the sponsor’s permit validity.
2025: 367,750 permits
2026: 210,700 permits
2027: 237,700 permits
IRCC estimates that these changes will result in 50,000 to 100,000 fewer family OWPs being issued over the next three years. Canada has experienced a steady influx of international students and temporary workers in recent years, putting strain on housing markets, infrastructure, and public services. This reduction aligns with the government’s annual immigration targets, which have introduced caps on work permits issued under both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
OWPs have long been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system, providing newcomers with the flexibility to work for most employers and in most industries without being tied to a specific job or employer. This contrasts with employer-specific work permits, which often require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
While OWPs offer significant advantages, such as greater job mobility and less bureaucratic burden, the unrestricted issuance of family OWPs has contributed to the challenges that these reforms aim to address.
The new restrictions have drawn criticism from various quarters. Advocacy groups argue that limiting OWPs for family members undermines Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international talent. Critics contend that the policy could make it harder for Canada to attract highly skilled workers and international students, who often prioritize opportunities for their families when choosing a destination.
On the other hand, supporters of the reforms argue that the changes are necessary to balance economic growth with social and infrastructural stability. They emphasize that the measures are designed to ensure Canada remains an attractive destination for top talent while addressing pressing domestic issues like housing affordability.
The upcoming restrictions on family Open Work Permits represent a pivotal shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. By narrowing eligibility and reducing the number of permits issued, IRCC aims to address the challenges posed by a growing temporary resident population.
While these changes may limit opportunities for some, they reflect a broader effort to balance immigration policies with Canada’s economic and social realities. As the reforms take effect, their long-term impact on the country’s immigration system and global appeal will become clearer.
In this evolving environment, prospective applicants must remain informed, adapt to the new requirements, and plan strategically to make the most of Canada’s immigration opportunities.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at
+1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.