Canada New Open Work Permit New Rules and Eligibility: Thousands of Indians, who comprise a significant portion of Canada’s international student population, will benefit from changes made by the government to the open work permit (OWP) regulations for spouses of foreign workers and international students. The announcement follows the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Thousands of Indians, who comprise a significant portion of Canada’s international student population, will benefit from changes made by the government to the open work permit (OWP) regulations for spouses of foreign workers and international students. The announcement follows the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Changes in Canada New Open Work Permit and Eligibility Requirements
Under the new rules, spouses of eligible foreign workers and students will be the only ones who can apply for an OWP as of January 21, 2025. However, there are specific requirements centered on the length of educational programs and high-demand industries. These changes have made it possible for Indian students to bring their spouses to Canada to work while they study or work there.
- The new OWP will only apply to spouses of international students enrolled in doctoral programs, master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer, or a limited number of other professional programs.
- In addition, spouses of foreign workers employed in TEER 1 occupations or specific TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labor shortages or those linked to government priorities will be the only ones eligible for the OWP for families.
- According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), some of these professions are in the fields of healthcare, construction, natural and applied sciences, natural resources, sports, education, and the military.
- Additionally, when their spouse applies for the OWP, the foreign worker must still have at least 16 months left on their work permit. Furthermore, dependent children will no longer be eligible for family OWPs due to the Canadian government’s stricter eligibility requirements.
- However, if they apply for renewals in accordance with the current requirements, family members of those who were previously approved under the previous rules are permitted to continue working.
- Family members who are no longer eligible for a family OWP can apply for other kinds of work permits under the other work permit programs the nation offers, according to the IRCC.
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Canada announced reduction in the International Student Study Permits
These changes will be encouraging for Indian students, who made up almost 37% of all study permits granted by Canada in the year 2023, as they will facilitate their spouses and family member’s integration into the Canadian workforce. This action is seen as a component of Canada’s larger endeavour to support its economy and labor market demands while also fortifying its programs for temporary residents.
The action also follows the IRCC’s September forecast that temporary residents would make up only 5% of Canada’s population by 2026, down from 6.5%. In order to close the anticipated gap and increase temporary residents, the federal government is acting while simultaneously holding system abusers responsible.
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Additionally, Canada announced a 10% reduction in the number of study permits for international students in 2025, from the original goal of 485,000 permits in 2024 to 437,000 permits. According to the IRCC, the quantity of study permits will not change from 2025 to 2026.
