Major Changes to Open Work Permits Starting January 21: Employers, Are You Ready?

On January 14, the Canadian government announced significant changes to open work permits (OWPs) for certain spouses, common-law partners, and children of temporary foreign workers, effective January 21, 2025.

To help you prepare, here is a summary of the main measures that could affect your temporary foreign workers (TFWs).

Main Changes

• Family OWPs will now be restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in positions classified under:
  • TEER 0 or 1;
  • Certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or linked to government priorities.
• Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible;
• Foreign workers must have a work permit valid for at least 16 months at the time of their spouse’s OWP application;
• Family OWPs will only be available to spouses of international students enrolled in doctoral programs, master’s programs longer than 16 months, or certain professional programs.

Some Exceptions

If an OWP was approved before these measures take effect and has not yet expired, it will remain valid.

Additionally, if the foreign worker and their spouse are covered by free trade agreements or the TFW is in the process of obtaining permanent residence, they may not be affected by these changes.

Finally, if family members hold an OWP with a shorter validity period than that of the principal applicant, they may still apply to renew it up to the principal applicant’s permit expiration date.

Questions?

Contact our immigration team to learn more about these changes and develop a tailored strategy for your employees OWPs.