The Canadian government recently announced some important changes to its Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program, which will be implemented on January 21, 2025. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have imposed some restrictions regarding work permits for international students, foreign workers, and their spouses in Canada.
These regulations have been established to reduce the number of temporary residents coming to Canada, and it is one of the many measures that has been recently taken by IRCC.
What Are The New Spousal Open Work Permit Changes?
For international students, the impacts are minimal. If the student is doing PhD or if their degree or master’s program is 16 months or longer, then these changes won’t affect them.
Temporary foreign workers are the ones who will be most affected. Their spouses can only apply for a work permit if the main applicant’s work permit is valid for at least 16 months at the time of the application. If their work permit is close to the expiring date, then it can pose a greater challenge.
The eligibility criteria will now be significantly influenced by the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) framework established by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- TEER Categories 0 and 1: Spouses of these with highly skilled workers will automatically qualify.
- TEER Categories 2 and 3: Some selected occupations will be eligible. IRCC has not yet disclosed the full list. it is anticipated to include professions in:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Natural resources
- Education
- Sports and military
By January 21, 2025, the full list will be published. This uncertainty is leaving many families baffled. Most of the international workers work in TEER 2, 3, and 4 NOC jobs, and they won’t be eligible to bring their spouses into the country anymore.
Can Spouses Extend The Existing Work Permit?
If the main applicant’s passport expiration still has the chance for extensions within January 21, 2025, then Spouses can apply.
For individuals who are transitioning from study permits to Post-Graduate Work Permits(PGWP), their spouses will face stricter inspection. Their application will be viewed as a new application, not an extension. These applicants need to fulfill the new TEER eligibility criteria.
Who Is Not Affected By The New Rules?
- Individuals applying for Permanent Residency (PR): Their spouses are part of PR applications, and those who hold Bridge Open Work Permits (BOWP) won’t be affected by new changes.
- Permanent Residents and Citizens: Spouses of PR holders or citizens won’t be affected either.
These exceptions aim to protect families who are still pursuing permanent residency from any negative impacts.
Why The Change?
Canada is struggling to manage huge numbers of immigrants, which is why the IRCC is planning to lower the number of temporary residents and foreign workers. This could lead to dropping 60,000 to 150,000 temporary foreign workers from the country. It will have a devastating impact on families who depend on spousal work permits for financial support.
Canada is now focusing on highly skilled workers who are in positions in TEER Categories 0 and 1. However, these changes will leave out many mid- and lower-skilled workers, which may pose challenges for families trying to make a positive impact on the Canadian economy.
What Should Be Done At This Moment?
To reduce the effects of these changes, those who qualify should act quickly.
- Apply quickly: if you and your spouse are eligible, make sure to submit your application before January 21, 2025.
- Stay updated: To be aware of the latest news, check the IRCC website to see if there is any news regarding the latest information, which may include the final list of eligible TEER occupations.
- Consult RCIC or Immigrant consultant: To know about your eligibility, it’s better to get advice from a professional and get their help to prepare an application.
Canada is changing its immigration policy to prioritize high-skill labour market needs. This might help the nation with a flourishing economy, but it could also be for thousands of temporary foreign workers who rely on spousal work permits to earn their daily bread.