Canada Restricts Family Open Work Permit Eligibility

The Canadian government has introduced new restrictions on open work permits for family members of international students and foreign workers, effective January 21, 2025. These changes limit eligibility to spouses of students enrolled in doctoral programs, master's programs of at least 16 months, or selected professional programs, as well as spouses of foreign workers in TEER 0 occupations or specific TEER 1-3 jobs tied to labor shortages or government priorities. Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for these permits, though existing permits remain valid. The policy aims to support Canada's economic goals by focusing on sectors with labor shortages, and while it benefits some, it restricts opportunities for others. The changes do not affect spouses of individuals covered by free-trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residency. These developments are particularly significant for Indian nationals, a substantial portion of Canada's international student population, who may benefit in high-demand sectors.