Canada relaxes open work permit rules for spouses of international students and foreign workers
Canada has announced modifications to its open work permit (OWP) policies for spouses of international students and foreign workers, set to take effect from January 21, 2025. This development is expected to benefit thousands of Indians, who form a significant portion of Canada’s international student population, reported abplive.com.
New OWP rules to benefit Indian students and workers in Canada
The revised rules limit eligibility for OWPs to spouses of international students pursuing specific programs, such as master’s degrees lasting 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and select professional courses. Spouses of foreign workers employed in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare, construction, education, and military services, under TEER 1 or select TEER 2 and 3 occupations, will also qualify.
Foreign workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permits for their spouses to apply for an OWP. Additionally, dependent children will no longer be eligible for family OWPs, although families approved under previous rules can continue working if they renew under the updated criteria.
Changes to study permits and integration into the workforce
Indian students, who accounted for 37% of study permits issued by Canada in 2023, are likely to view these changes positively as they enhance opportunities for family integration. However, Canada has also announced a 10% reduction in international student permits for 2025, targeting 4,37,000 permits, down from 4,85,000 in 2024.
These changes are part of Canada’s broader strategy to address labour shortages, support its economy, and ensure temporary residency programs align with national priorities while addressing system misuse.
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