Canada Work Permit Changes 2025: New Restrictions on Open Work Permits (OWPs)
The Government of Canada has introduced stricter regulations on Open Work Permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes, effective January 21, 2025, aim to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada, addressing housing affordability and labor market concerns.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the new rules, including eligibility requirements, renewal policies, and the impact on international students and foreign workers.
Key Changes to Family Open Work Permits (OWPs) in 2025
For International Students
Previously, spouses or common-law partners of international students could obtain an Open Work Permit (SOWP) regardless of the study program. Under the new rules, eligibility is limited to spouses of students enrolled in:
- Master’s programs that are 16 months or longer
- Doctoral (PhD) programs
Select professional programs (listed below)
Eligible Professional Programs for Family OWPs
Spouses of students enrolled in the following programs can still apply for a family Open Work Permit:
- 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)
In addition, spouses of students in the following province-specific programs may also qualify for a family OWP:
Province/Territory | Program Name | Eligibility Start Date |
Outside of Quebec | Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) | August 26, 2024 |
Quebec | Internationally Recruited Nurses Recognition Project | April 30, 2024 |
Ontario | Supervised Practice Experience Partnership | January 21, 2025 |
Manitoba | Nurse Re-Entry (Red River College Polytechnic) | January 21, 2025 |
British Columbia | – Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (UBC) – Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) (UBC) – Post-Degree Diploma: Nursing Practice in Canada (Langara College) | January 21, 2025 |
For Foreign Workers
Spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers can only obtain a family Open Work Permit if the principal applicant is working in:
- TEER 0 occupations (Management positions)
- TEER 1 occupations (Professional roles requiring a university degree)
- Select TEER 2 and 3 occupations in the following sectors:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Natural resources
- Education
- Sports
- Military
Additional Conditions for Foreign Workers’ Spouses
- The foreign worker must have at least 16 months of validity remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s OWP application.
- Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for a family Open Work Permit.
Family Open Work Permit Renewals
- Existing OWPs remain valid until expiration.
- If a spouse received a shorter work permit than the primary applicant’s study/work permit, they can still apply for a renewal, but only up to the duration of the sponsor’s permit.
Who is Not Affected by These Changes?
The new restrictions do not apply to:
- Spouses or common-law partners covered under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
- Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have applied for permanent residence (PR)
- Spouses who have a valid Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) under PR sponsorship programs
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
IRCC has also introduced new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements, which vary based on the date of study permit application.
PGWP Eligibility (Applied Before Nov. 1, 2024)
Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral programs | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in English or French | N/A |
Other University Programs | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in English or French | N/A |
College or Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC Level 5 in English or French | N/A |
PGWP Eligibility (Applied After Nov. 1, 2024)
Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral programs | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in English or French | N/A |
Other University Programs | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in English or French | Must be in an eligible field of study |
College or Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC Level 5 in English or French | Must be in an eligible field of study |
Canada’s Work Permit Targets for 2025–2027
As part of broader immigration reforms, Canada has set new work permit targets under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
Work Permit Type | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
International Mobility Program (IMP) | 285,750 | 128,700 | 155,700 |
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | 82,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 |
Total | 367,750 | 210,700 | 237,700 |
Final Thoughts
The new restrictions on Family Open Work Permits (OWPs) mark a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy. Spouses of international students and foreign workers now face stricter eligibility criteria, affecting many families planning to work in Canada. For international students, the impact is particularly strong—only those in master’s, doctoral, or specific professional programs can now sponsor their spouse’s OWP.
Given these new regulations, it is crucial to stay informed and plan accordingly. If you are an affected applicant, consulting an immigration expert can help navigate the new system efficiently. Need Assistance with Your Work Permit Application? Contact an immigration consultant to ensure your application meets the latest requirements and increases your chances of approval.