New rules for obtaining open work permits for spouses of foreign students and workers
Changes regarding Open Work Permits for spouses of foreign workers and students will come into force on 21 January 2025.
These changes will limit who can apply for such permits.
Spouses of foreign workers will be eligible for OWP if the worker:
- Has a work visa for at least 16 months.
- Occupies a position in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation.
- Works in certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations that are associated with labor shortages. The full list of priority industries will be published on January 21, 2025.
Spouses of international students will be eligible for OWP if the student:
- Studying for a Master's degree of at least 16 months
- Enrolled in doctoral studies
- Undergoes training in approved programs such as:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
Who will no longer be able to receive OWP?
- Spouses of workers with TEER 4 and 5 professions (Low-skilled SOWP).
- Children of foreign workers
Want to learn more about how these changes may affect you?
Contact us for consultation — we will help you understand the new rules and suggest the best solution for your situation!
Important: Immigration requirements are constantly changing. The information on this page is current at the time of publication.