As of 21st Jan 2025, spouses of workers & international students can no longer apply for family open work permits. Read this blog for more info.

Open Work Permit Eligibility Changes for Family Members of Temporary Residents in 2025

Post by : Admin on Jan 23,2025

IRCC has implemented crucial changes to the open work permit eligibility for family members of temporary foreign workers and international students from 21st January 2025. Now spouses of only specific foreign workers and international students will be able to apply for an open work permit in Canada. This update is a part of IRCC’s measures to regulate the temporary resident programs while aligning with the country’s current economic goals and labour market needs. 

What Should You Know About 2025 Family Open Work Permits?

Prior to this update, spouses and dependents, such as children of foreign workers and international students, were eligible to apply for an open work permit in Canada and work here legally. As of 21st January 2025, IRCC announced that temporary foreign workers will have limited access to the family open work permits. Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for open work permits until further notice. 

The Canadian Government has always welcomed eligible temporary candidates from different parts of the world. However, with the significant changes in the country's labour market needs, housing situations and economic needs, it became necessary to restrict the entry of temporary residents in 2025. These changes intend to strengthen the integrity of temporary resident programs and help the country grow economically at the same time. 

Who is eligible for Family Open Work Permits?

Only spouses of international students who are enrolled in any of the following programs are eligible to apply for family open work permits.

Spouses of foreign workers who are employed in any of the following categories are eligible to apply for family open work permits. 

  • TEER 0 or 1 occupations 
  • TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors facing labour shortages or are prioritized by the government. 

The foreign worker should have at least 16 months before their work permit expires at the time of their spouse’s application. 

What if you applied for an Open Work Permit Before 21st January 2025?

IRCC will continue to process all family open work permit applications submitted before 21 January 2025. They will process those applications under the original eligibility criteria. Work permits that were approved before 21st January 2025 remain valid until expires. 

Some exceptional situations for foreign workers and international students

Specific family members (spouses and dependent children) of foreign workers and international can apply to renew their work permits under strict circumstances. It is applicable if the family members get a shorter duration in their work permits than the principal applicant or if international students need more time to complete their program. 

The family members need to meet these criteria:

  • Maintain the same criteria as the previous year while applying for a work permit
  • The duration of your renewal should align with the principal applicant’s existing permit’s duration.

Note:

If spouses of workers are transitioning to PR or covered by free-trade agreements, these open work permit changes will not affect you. 

Don’t worry if your family members are not eligible for an open work permit in 2025. They can still apply for other work permits offered by Canada. You can consult licensed immigration consultants to know the best pathways for you.


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