Canada Tightens Family Work Permit Rules: What You Need to Know
Major Changes to Family Work Permit Eligibility for International Students and Temporary Foreign Workers
Starting January 21, 2025, the Canadian federal government will implement significant restrictions on open work permit eligibility for family members of international students and temporary foreign workers. This move comes amid ongoing efforts to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada and refine the country’s immigration programs to better align with economic and labor market priorities.
Image 1: International students from different nationalities studying in Canada .
Who Will Be Affected?
The new regulations limit the eligibility for spouses of study and work permit holders to apply for open work permits. Here are the key eligibility categories:
Eligible Spouses of International Students:
Students enrolled in master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.
Students in doctoral programs.
Students in undergraduate programs within specific professions, including medicine, law, and nursing.
Eligible Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers:
Workers in high-skill, high-wage managerial positions or roles that generally require a university degree.
Workers in lower-wage, lower-skilled roles within TEER 2 or 3 occupations experiencing labor shortages, particularly in sectors such as natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports, and the military.
Image 2: A business woman working in a high-skill, high-wage managerial position.
Government’s Rationale
In a public notice, the Immigration Department emphasized its commitment to enhancing the integrity and quality of temporary resident programs while addressing Canada’s economic and labor needs. “The Government of Canada is continuing to strengthen the integrity and quality of our temporary resident programs while supporting the country’s economic goals and labor market needs,” the statement said.
Criticism of the Policy Changes
Despite the government’s intentions, critics argue the new measures could have unintended negative consequences, particularly for the country’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers.
Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, noted that the new restrictions, coupled with recent caps on the length of work permits at 12 months, represent a complete reversal of this policy
Image 3: A smiling and happy couple.
Need Assistance? Schedule a free consultation with the Caerus Immigration Consulting Ltd. to explore your options for work permits and permanent residency in Canada.