On January 14, 2025, Canada announced new restrictions on open work permits (OWPs) for families of international students and foreign workers. These changes, effective January 21, 2025, will impact thousands of families. Discover how this affects your options and explore practical solutions.
Starting January 21, 2025, only spouses of students in eligible master’s, doctoral, or professional programs can apply for OWPs. For foreign workers, eligibility is limited to spouses of those in high-demand TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 or 3 jobs, such as healthcare and construction.
These changes follow a 521% rise in OWP approvals since 2017 and are part of Canada’s 2025 immigration strategy to manage population growth—98% driven by immigration—while balancing economic and infrastructure needs. The focus remains on skilled labor, even as family pathways face new limits.
With over 509,390 international students in 2023, the Canadian government is capping study permits at 437,000 for 2025. This move, part of a strategy to maintain temporary residents at 5% of the population, reduces the number of families eligible for OWPs.
These changes create financial strain for families, especially as dependents lose access to work opportunities. Administrative complexity also increases, with families needing to navigate eligibility criteria for both study permits and TEER job categories.
For families affected by these restrictions, there are still options:
Practical Tips for Families: Did You Know? Spouses working in high-demand sectors like healthcare or construction are more likely to qualify under the new rules.
Canada’s new rules reflect a focus on balancing immigration with economic priorities. While these changes narrow family pathways, solutions like PNPs, employer sponsorships, or study permits remain viable. Use Aïa to explore your best immigration options and find tailored solutions for your family’s future in Canada. Plan confidently and navigate these changes with ease.
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