At TIIC Overseas, we understand the significance of staying ahead of immigration policy changes. The upcoming restrictions on family Open Work Permits (OWPs), set to take effect on January 21, 2025, represent a major shift in Canada’s immigration landscape.

Our Work Permit Consultants in Chandigarh have thoroughly analysed these changes to help you understand their impact on your immigration journey. As your trusted immigration partner, we’re committed to providing clear, actionable guidance to ensure you can navigate these changes successfully and make informed decisions about your family’s future in Canada.

Key Changes for International Student Families

The new policy introduced stricter eligibility criteria for international students’ spouses and common-law partners. We’ve identified the following qualifying programs for family OWP eligibility:

1. Master’s Programs (16 months or longer)

2. Doctoral (PhD) Programs

3. Professional Programs:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)

• Law (LLB, JD, BCL)

• Dentistry (DDS, DMD)

• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)

• Nursing (BN, BScN, BNSc)

• Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)

Impact on Foreign Worker Families

For foreign workers, we’re seeing significant changes in spouse and common-law partner eligibility. The new regulations will restrict family OWPs based on the following occupation categories:

1.  Primary eligible categories:

• TEER 0 occupations (management positions)

• TEER 1 occupations (professional positions)

2.  Select TEER 2 and 3 positions in specific sectors:

• Healthcare and medical services

• Construction and infrastructure

• Natural and applied sciences

• Education and teaching

• Natural resources

• Sports and athletics

• Military-related positions

Essential Considerations for Current Permit Holders

Our experience shows that understanding transition periods is crucial. If you currently hold a valid family OWP, we want to assure you that it remains valid until its expiration date. For those seeking renewals, we’ve confirmed that in-Canada family members can apply to extend their permits, provided the duration matches their sponsor’s existing permit. This ensures continuity for families already established in Canada.

Strategic Planning for Future Applicants

We recommend careful planning for those affected by these changes. Foreign workers planning to bring their families to Canada must ensure they have at least 16 months remaining on their work permits when their spouse applies.

This new requirement adds an extra layer of complexity to the application process. Additionally, the policy change regarding dependent children is significant – they will no longer be eligible for family OWPs under the new regulations, marking a substantial shift in Canada’s approach to family work permits.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Through our analysis, we’ve identified important exceptions to these restrictions. Notably, spouses of workers under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) remain unaffected by these changes. 

Additionally, those being sponsored for permanent residence by their Canadian partners can still apply for Spousal Open Work Permits if they maintain legal temporary status in Canada. Understanding these exceptions is crucial for developing effective immigration strategies.

Looking Ahead

At TIIC Overseas, we understand these changes reflect Canada’s broader strategy to manage temporary resident numbers and address housing concerns. The government estimates these measures will reduce family OWP issuance by approximately 150,000 over the next three years. 

As part of Canada’s comprehensive immigration reform, these changes align with new targets for work permit holder landings under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

We help our clients navigate these changes effectively and find alternative pathways where available. We are the Best Canada Work Permit Consultants in Chandigarh, and we continuously monitor policy updates and their implications to provide the most current and accurate guidance. 

For personalised assistance with your specific situation, we encourage you to connect with our experienced immigration consultants, who can help develop strategies tailored to your needs.