Work in Canada
Canada to Slash Over 100,000 Spousal Open Work Permits in Upcoming Three Years: What You Need to Know
The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has unveiled a major policy shift aimed at decreasing the issuance of Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) by more than 100,000 within the next three years. This decision is set to significantly impact international students, temporary foreign workers, and their families who depend on these permits for employment opportunities in Canada. The changes, gradually implemented throughout 2024, have sparked widespread concern regarding the future employment prospects for spouses accompanying international professionals and students. Here’s an in-depth look at the forthcoming adjustments to Spousal Open Work Permits.
Understanding Spousal Open Work Permits
Spousal Open Work Permits enable the spouses or common-law partners of eligible temporary residents—such as international students and skilled foreign workers—to work in Canada during the primary applicant’s stay. These permits have been instrumental in providing economic support and facilitating the integration of families into Canadian society by allowing spouses to gain valuable work experience and contribute to household income. However, recent policy revisions are set to tighten the eligibility criteria, thereby restricting access to SOWPs. This tightening is part of a larger governmental effort to regulate immigration levels and manage the number of temporary residents in Canada.
Major Revisions to Spousal Open Work Permits
The IRCC has outlined several key changes aimed at reducing the number of SOWPs issued. The primary modifications include:
1. Stricter Eligibility for International Students’ Spouses
The eligibility for SOWPs will now be confined to spouses of students enrolled in specific master’s and doctoral programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. For other postgraduate studies, including certain professional degrees, the student must be enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months for their spouse to qualify for a SOWP. This adjustment is projected to cut down the number of permits by approximately 50,000, particularly affecting those pursuing shorter, non-research-oriented degrees.
2. Restrictions on Temporary Foreign Workers’ Spouses
A significant change targets the spouses of temporary foreign workers. Moving forward, only spouses of highly skilled workers in specialized fields—such as science, engineering, law, medicine, and other high-demand technical sectors—will be eligible for SOWPs. The IRCC aims to reduce the issuance of these permits by 100,000 over the next three years, limiting employment opportunities for families of foreign workers in non-specialized roles.
3. Limiting Study Permit Allocations
Additionally, the government has imposed a cap on study permits, thereby restricting the number of international students permitted to study in Canada. This measure directly impacts the issuance of SOWPs, as fewer study permits translate to fewer eligible spouses. In 2025, only 12% of total study permits will be allocated to master’s and doctoral students, further diminishing work permit opportunities for their partners.
Implications of the New Policy
These regulatory changes come at a time when many families depend on SOWPs to sustain financial stability while residing in Canada. Spouses of international students, especially those enrolled in short-term or non-research-based programs, will face reduced opportunities to work during their partners’ studies. Similarly, temporary foreign workers outside the highly specialized sectors will find it more challenging to bring their spouses to Canada, potentially affecting family unity and long-term settlement plans.
Rationale Behind IRCC’s Decision
The IRCC’s initiative to decrease SOWPs is part of a broader strategy to manage and moderate temporary immigration levels in Canada. In 2023, over 2 million temporary residents entered Canada, representing about 6.5% of the national population. The Canadian government aims to reduce this proportion to 5% over the next three years.
Post the economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has reassessed and deemed some of the previously introduced immigration policies as unnecessary. Moving forward, the focus will shift towards more selective criteria for temporary residence permits, including SOWPs, to better control population growth and immigration numbers.
Navigating the New Application Process
For those still eligible under the revised criteria, applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit remains similar, albeit with more stringent requirements. Applicants must:
Be the spouse or common-law partner of an international student enrolled in designated master’s, doctoral, or professional programs, or the spouse of a highly skilled foreign worker in specific occupations.
Submit supporting documents, including a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of enrollment, and evidence of the relationship with the primary applicant.
Spouses of temporary foreign workers may need to provide additional documentation demonstrating that the primary worker’s occupation falls within the highly skilled category, such as employment contracts or professional credentials. For those who qualify, obtaining a SOWP remains a valuable avenue for gaining Canadian work experience and supporting family life.
Staying Informed and Prepared
As these policy changes take effect, it is crucial for affected individuals and families to stay informed and prepared. Understanding the new eligibility criteria and application requirements will be essential for navigating the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration. Consulting with immigration experts or legal advisors can also provide valuable guidance to ensure compliance and optimize the chances of a successful application.
The IRCC’s decision to significantly reduce the number of Spousal Open Work Permits marks a pivotal shift in Canada’s temporary immigration policies. While aimed at better managing immigration levels and supporting economic stability, these changes pose challenges for many international families. Staying informed and adapting to the new regulations will be key for those looking to continue their lives and careers in Canada.
