Dear future neighbour,
On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced forthcoming changes to the eligibility criteria for family Open Work Permits (OWPs), set to take effect on January 21, 2025.
Key Changes Effective January 21, 2025:
•Spouses of International Students:
•Eligible Programs: Only spouses of international students enrolled in specific programs will qualify for OWPs.
•Master’s Degree Programs: The program must be at least 16 months in duration.
•Doctoral Programs: All doctoral programs are eligible.
•Professional Degree Programs: Select professional degree programs remain eligible.
•Spouses of Foreign Workers:
•Eligible Occupations: Spouses of foreign workers employed in certain occupations will be eligible for OWPs.
•TEER 0 and 1 Occupations: All occupations in these categories are eligible.
•Select TEER 2 and 3 Occupations: Occupations in sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities, such as natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and military sectors, are eligible. A comprehensive list of eligible occupations will be published by IRCC on January 21, 2025.
•Validity of Foreign Worker’s Permit: The principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time their spouse applies for an OWP.
•Dependent Children: Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for family OWPs under the new regulations.
See below TEER categories and examples of jobs
| TEER | Occupation types | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management occupations | Advertising, marketing and public relations managers Financial managers |
| TEER 1 | Occupations that usually require a university degree | Financial advisors Software engineers |
| TEER 2 | Occupations that usually require
|
Computer network and web technicians Medical laboratory technologists |
| TEER 3 | Occupations that usually require
|
Bakers Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| TEER 4 | Occupations that usually require
|
Home child care providers Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers |
| TEER 5 | Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education | Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors |
Implications:
These changes aim to better align Canada’s temporary resident programs with current economic priorities and labor market needs. By refining eligibility criteria, the government seeks to manage the influx of temporary residents and address societal concerns such as housing affordability and cost of living.
Next Steps:
Individuals planning to apply for family OWPs should review the updated eligibility criteria and ensure their applications comply with the new requirements effective January 21, 2025.
Do you require assistance with your immigration process, admission, express entry or provincial nomination profile. Are you overwhelmed with the process and need to speak to a professional immigration consultant? Schedule a consultation session or send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com