Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced significant changes to the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWP) for family members of international students and foreign workers in Canada. These new measures will come into force on January 21, 2025, and are part of the Canadian government’s broader strategy to regulate the labour market, strengthen immigration program integrity, and ensure that temporary residents align with the country’s economic and social priorities.
The amendments introduce targeted restrictions, limiting the right to obtain an OWP only to specific categories of family members, based on the level of study or occupation of the principal applicant.
New OWP Rules for Family Members of International Students
As of the effective date, spouses or common-law partners of international students will only be eligible for an Open Work Permit under the following conditions:
- The principal applicant is enrolled in a master’s degree program with a minimum duration of 16 months;
- The principal applicant is pursuing a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program;
- The principal applicant is studying in a recognized professional or designated specialized program, with the official list of eligible programs expected to be published shortly.
Consequently, individuals accompanying students enrolled in shorter master’s programs or lower levels of education will no longer have automatic eligibility for an OWP, which was previously available under more flexible conditions.
Restrictions for Family Members of Foreign Workers
The changes also affect family members of foreign workers. Under the new rules, spouses or partners will only qualify for an Open Work Permit if the principal applicant is employed in one of the following priority sectors:
- Natural and applied sciences;
- Construction and skilled trades;
- Healthcare and medical professions;
- Natural resource industries;
- Education and teaching;
- Sports professions;
- Military and defence-related fields.
If the principal worker is employed in other industries not classified as priority sectors, accompanying family members will not be entitled to apply for an Open Work Permit.
Practical Implications for Applicants
These regulatory amendments will have a substantial impact on the immigration plans and family strategies of those considering studying or working in Canada. Key considerations include:
- Accompanying family members can no longer assume automatic access to employment opportunities;
- It is essential to carefully assess whether the intended study program or job position meets the updated eligibility criteria before submitting an application;
- The changes may significantly influence the financial and social stability of families during their stay in Canada;
- For individuals already residing in Canada as dependents of students or workers, future OWP renewals may be subject to the new restrictions.
Conclusion
As of January 21, 2025, the right of family members of international students and foreign workers to obtain an Open Work Permit in Canada will be significantly restricted. These measures form part of a national policy aimed at optimizing the Canadian labour market and enhancing the management of temporary immigration pathways.
All prospective applicants are strongly advised to:
- Monitor official updates from IRCC regarding eligible programs and occupations;
- Seek professional legal or immigration advice before finalizing education or employment plans in Canada;
- Adapt family migration strategies to ensure compliance with the new regulatory requirements.
Timely awareness of these changes will help avoid legal complications and support effective planning for residence, employment, and family integration in Canada.
TEER 2
|
NOC Code |
Occupation Title (Short Form) |
|
22100 |
Chemical Technologists and Technicians |
|
22101 |
Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians |
|
22110 |
Biological Technologists and Technicians |
|
22111 |
Agricultural and Fish Products Inspectors |
|
22112 |
Forestry Technologists and Technicians |
|
22113 |
Conservation and Fishery Officers |
|
22114 |
Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and Specialists |
|
22210 |
Architectural Technologists and Technicians |
|
22211 |
Industrial Designers |
|
22212 |
Drafting Technologists and Technicians |
|
22213 |
Land Survey Technologists and Technicians |
|
22214 |
Geomatics and Meteorological Technicians |
|
22220 |
Computer Network and Web Technicians |
|
22221 |
User Support Technicians |
|
22222 |
Information Systems Testing Technicians |
|
22230 |
Non-destructive Testers |
|
22231 |
Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers |
|
22232 |
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists |
|
22233 |
Construction Inspectors |
|
22300 |
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
|
22301 |
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
|
22302 |
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
|
22303 |
Construction Estimators |
|
22310 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
|
22311 |
Electronic Service Technicians (household and business equipment) |
|
22312 |
Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics |
|
22313 |
Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors |
|
32100 |
Opticians |
|
32101 |
Licensed Practical Nurses |
|
32102 |
Paramedical Occupations |
|
32103 |
Respiratory Therapists, Perfusionists and Cardiopulmonary Technologists |
|
32104 |
Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians |
|
32109 |
Other Medical Technologists and Technician-related Occupations |
|
32110 |
Denturists |
|
32111 |
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists |
|
32112 |
Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Assistants |
|
32120 |
Medical Laboratory Technologists |
|
32121 |
Medical Radiation Technologists |
|
32122 |
Medical Sonographers |
|
32123 |
Cardiology Technologists and Electrodiagnostic Technicians |
|
32124 |
Pharmacy Technicians |
|
32129 |
Other Medical Technologists and Technicians |
|
32200 |
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists |
|
32201 |
Massage Therapists |
|
32209 |
Other Practitioners of Natural Healing |
|
42102 |
Specialized Members of the Canadian Armed Forces |
|
42202 |
Early Childhood Educators and Assistants |
|
72010 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Machining, Metal Forming, Shaping |
|
72011 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical and Telecommunications |
|
72012 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting |
|
72013 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry |
|
72014 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades |
|
72020 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades |
|
72021 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Equipment Operators |
|
72022 |
Supervisors, Printing and Related Occupations |
|
72023 |
Supervisors, Railway Transport Operations |
|
72024 |
Supervisors, Motor Transport and Other Ground Transit Operators |
|
72025 |
Supervisors, Mail and Message Distribution |
|
72100 |
Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors |
|
72101 |
Tool and Die Makers |
|
72102 |
Sheet Metal Workers |
|
72103 |
Boilermakers |
|
72104 |
Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters |
|
72105 |
Ironworkers |
|
72106 |
Welders and Related Machine Operators |
|
72200 |
Electricians (except Industrial and Power System) |
|
72201 |
Industrial Electricians |
|
72202 |
Power System Electricians |
|
72203 |
Electrical Power Line and Cable Workers |
|
72204 |
Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers |
|
72205 |
Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Cable TV Service Technicians |
|
72300 |
Plumbers |
|
72301 |
Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers |
|
72302 |
Gas Fitters |
|
72310 |
Carpenters |
|
72311 |
Cabinetmakers |
|
72320 |
Bricklayers |
|
72321 |
Insulators |
|
72400 |
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics |
|
72401 |
Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics |
|
72402 |
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics |
|
72403 |
Railway Carmen/women |
|
72404 |
Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors |
|
72405 |
Machine Fitters |
|
72406 |
Elevator Constructors and Mechanics |
|
72410 |
Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics |
|
72411 |
Motor Vehicle Body Repairers, Refinishers and Glass Installers |
|
72420 |
Oil and Solid Fuel Heating Mechanics |
|
72421 |
Appliance Servicers and Repairers |
|
72422 |
Electrical Mechanics |
|
72423 |
Motorcycle, All-terrain Vehicle and Other Related Mechanics |
|
72429 |
Other Small Engine and Equipment Repairers |
|
72500 |
Crane Operators |
|
72501 |
Water Well Drillers |
|
72600 |
Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors |
|
72601 |
Air Traffic Controllers |
|
72602 |
Deck Officers, Water Transport |
|
72603 |
Engineer Officers, Water Transport |
|
72604 |
Railway and Marine Traffic Controllers |
|
72999 |
Other Technical Trades |
|
82010 |
Supervisors, Logging and Forestry |
|
82020 |
Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying |
|
82021 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling |
|
82030 |
Agricultural Contractors and Farm Supervisors |
|
82031 |
Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance |
TEER 3
|
NOC Code |
Occupation Title (Short Form) |
|
33100 |
Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants |
|
33101 |
Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations |
|
33102 |
Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates |
|
33103 |
Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants |
|
33109 |
Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services |
|
43100 |
Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants |
|
43204 |
Canadian Armed Forces – Operational Occupations |
|
53200 |
Athletes |
|
53201 |
Coaches |
|
73100 |
Concrete Finishers |
|
73101 |
Tilesetters |
|
73102 |
Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers, and Lathers |
|
73110 |
Roofers and Shinglers |
|
73111 |
Glaziers |
|
73112 |
Painters and Decorators (except interior decorators) |
|
73113 |
Floor Covering Installers |
|
73200 |
Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers |
|
73201 |
Building Maintenance Workers and Building Superintendents |
|
73202 |
Pest Controllers and Fumigators |
|
73209 |
Other Repairers and Servicers |
|
73300 |
Transport Truck Drivers |
|
73301 |
Bus Drivers, Subway Operators and Other Transit Operators |
|
73310 |
Railway and Yard Locomotive Engineers |
|
73311 |
Railway Conductors and Brakemen/women |
|
73400 |
Heavy Equipment Operators (except Crane) |
|
73401 |
Printing Press Operators |
|
73402 |
Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction |
|
83100 |
Underground Mine Service and Support Workers |
|
83101 |
Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers |
|
83110 |
Logging Machinery Operators |
|
83120 |
Fishing Masters and Officers |
|
83121 |
Fishermen/women |
