Open work permits for family members of temporary residents

Beginning January 14, 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be able to apply for a family OWP.

Family OWPs will be curbed to spouses of international students who are enrolled in

• master’s programs that are 16 months or longer

• doctoral programs, or

• select professional and eligible programs

Family OWPs will also be constrained to spouses of foreign workers who are employed in

• TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or

• TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or linked to government priorities

  • These include occupations in the natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports and military sectors.

  IRCC will publish the complete list on January 21, 2025.

Also, the foreign worker must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time when their spouse applies for the OWP.

Additionally, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible.