Canada has been a popular destination for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and international students, in part due to the flexibility of open work permits granted to their family members. However, major changes to open work permit eligibility are on the horizon for January 2025. These regulations will affect not only the spouses and common-law partners of TFWs and international students but also their dependent children. Below, we’ll dive deeply into why these changes to open work permit are occurring, who will be impacted the most, and how families can prepare.
Why Are These Changes to Open Work Permit Happening?
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to open work permit rules to better align foreign labor with domestic economic needs. Key motivations include:
Labor Market Alignment: By narrowing eligibility for fully open work permits, the government aims to ensure that incoming workers (and their family members) fill genuine skill gaps. In some cases, these permits may become occupation-specific to address employer demands in high-need industries.
Program Integrity and Oversight: Under the new regulations, IRCC will exercise more control over where and how family members of TFWs or international students work. This helps reduce unauthorized work and ensures accurate tracking of employment across Canada.
Fairness and Economic Stability: Canada seeks to strike a balance between welcoming new talent and safeguarding job opportunities for permanent residents and citizens. Changes to open work permit eligibility help achieve this balance by making the process more targeted and transparent.
Effective January 21, 2025, family open work permits (OWPs) for international students will be limited to spouses or common-law partners of students who are:
Enrolled in Master’s programs that are at least 16 months in length,
Pursuing Doctoral programs, or
Registered in certain professional and eligible programs (listed below).
Previously, spouses or common-law partners of students in Master’s programs could apply for an open work permit regardless of the program’s duration. Under the new rules, the Master’s program must be at least 16 months long.
What other types of educational programs, besides master’s and doctoral degrees, can students enroll in to remain eligible for a family open work permit?
Outside of studies at the master's or doctoral level, students in the following programs can continue to receive a family OWP for their spouse or common-law partner:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS DMD);
Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL);
Doctor of Medicine (MD);
Doctor of Optometry (OD);
Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm);
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM);
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN);
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc);
Bachelor of Nursing (BN);
Bachelor of Education (BEd); and
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc).
Additionally, family OWPs for foreign workers will now be restricted to spouses or common-law partners of individuals employed in:
TEER 0 occupations,
TEER 1 occupations, or
Specific TEER 2 or 3 roles in:
Natural and applied sciences
Construction
Healthcare
Natural resources
Education
Sports
Military sectors
For a spouse to qualify under these guidelines, the principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months of validity remaining on their work permit at the time of application.
Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs under the revised policy.
Understanding the Changes to Open Work Permit for Different Groups
Below, we break down changes to open work permit requirements by looking at three key groups: dependent children of TFWs, family members already in Canada who need permit renewals, and families of international students.
Changes to Open Work Permit for Dependent Children of Temporary Foreign Workers
Stricter Age Thresholds
Historically, older teenage dependents of TFWs could qualify for open work permits. Moving forward, IRCC may impose tighter age cut-offs, which could prevent older dependents from automatically receiving an open work permit.
Children above the new cut-off may need to apply for a study permit with limited work rights, or an occupation-specific permit if they plan to work full-time.
Occupation-Specific Authorizations
Changes to open work permit policies suggest that dependent children might receive an employer-specific or occupation-specific permit, especially if the principal TFW’s job falls under lower-skilled categories.
This measure ensures that dependents only fill roles with genuine workforce shortages, preventing oversaturation in certain industries.
Required Documentation
Parents should be prepared to show proof of dependency (age, financial reliance, etc.).
Some children may also need to demonstrate job-related qualifications or language proficiency if they seek an occupation-specific permit.
How to Prepare
Plan Early: If your child is approaching the eligibility age limit, consider applying before new rules fully take effect or explore study permit options.
Consult Professionals: An immigration lawyer or consultant can clarify whether a child would be better served by a study permit or an occupation-specific work permit.
Changes to Open Work Permit for Family Members Already in Canada Who Need to Renew
New Rules for Renewals
Existing family open work permits are valid until their expiration. However, any renewal or extension request filed after the January 2025 changes will likely need to meet the new criteria.
Applicants may face stricter reviews, such as proof of principal TFW’s continued job status and more comprehensive financial documentation.
Application Timelines and Potential Delays
Policy changes can create processing backlogs. Submitting your renewal well in advance helps avoid gaps in status or work authorization.
Some applicants might be able to maintain implied status while awaiting the results of their renewal, but this requires filing on time.
Additional Verification
IRCC may request updated letters from employers, recent pay stubs, or valid Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to confirm ongoing eligibility.
Proof of relationship (marriage certificates, common-law documentation, birth certificates for dependents) might be scrutinized to ensure the family connection remains valid.
Best Practices
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the IRCC website for any transitional policies or special instructions for renewals.
Keep Documents Current: Regularly update and organize your supporting documents, including financial and employment records.
Ability to Renew
Open work permits (OWPs) granted to family members under previous policies and still valid will continue to be recognized until their expiration date. If a spouse was issued a shorter work permit than that of the principal permit holder (under an earlier family OWP policy), in-Canada family members—including spouses and dependent children—may request a renewal. The duration they seek must align with the remaining validity of the sponsoring individual’s study or work permit.
Changes to Open Work Permit for Family Members of International Students
Evolving Eligibility
Currently, spouses and common-law partners of international students in eligible programs often receive open work permits to ease financial burdens.
With changes to open work permit, IRCC may differentiate between higher-skilled study programs (e.g., degrees in in-demand fields) and shorter or lower-tier programs. Family members of the latter may face additional hurdles or restrictions.
Possible Occupation-Specific Permits
A fully open work permit may no longer be automatic for spouses. Instead, they could receive occupation-specific or employer-specific permits to ensure they fill critical labor gaps.
Impact on Financial Planning
Families that rely on the spouse’s income from an open work permit to support tuition and living costs should prepare for potential limitations on hours or job flexibility.
Delays in permit processing could create temporary financial strain if the spouse cannot work while awaiting a decision.
Action Steps for Students and Their Families
Choose Programs Strategically: Enrolling in a recognized, in-demand field may increase the likelihood that your spouse will remain eligible for fewer restrictions.
Maintain Good Standing: IRCC may request proof that the principal student is consistently meeting academic requirements. Falling out of good standing could jeopardize your spouse’s work permit.
Research Provincial Options: Some provinces have unique pilot programs or nominee pathways that offer more flexible work opportunities for the families of international students.
Preparing for the Changes to Open Work Permit in 2025
Regardless of your family’s specific situation, changes to open work permit protocols mean you should:
Monitor Official Updates
Always consult the IRCC website or verified immigration news sources for announcements on final regulations.
Join reputable forums and social media groups to stay informed, but verify with official sources before taking action.
Seek Professional Advice
An immigration lawyer or an authorized consultant can help your family understand how the new rules apply to your unique circumstances.
They can advise on alternative pathways if an open work permit is no longer an option, such as a specialized LMIA-based permit or a provincial nominee program.
Organize Documents Thoroughly
Keep your relationship, financial, and employment documents updated.
If you plan on applying or renewing after January 2025, start preparing early to avoid processing delays and missed deadlines.
Plan Financially
If your family relies on open work permit flexibility for income, consider saving extra funds in case permit approvals slow down or become more restrictive.
Explore scholarships, grants, or other financial aid if you are an international student facing limited work options for your spouse.
Final Thoughts on the Changes to Open Work Permit Landscape
The changes to open work permit policies rolling out in January 2025 will affect a broad range of temporary residents, including dependent children of TFWs, family members in Canada looking to renew, and spouses of international students. While Canada continues to prioritize family unity, the government is also taking steps to ensure labor market needs are met more precisely.
These regulations underscore the importance of advance planning and thorough research. By staying informed, organizing documentation, and seeking professional guidance, families can position themselves to adapt effectively to changes to open work permit eligibility and maintain their Canadian work authorization.