CANADA – Details of open work permit eligibility for family members are announced.

January 23, 2025


Nouran Hassan

By: Nouran Hassan, Legal Administrative Assistant, Newland Chase Canada

Effective January 21, 2025, significant changes will impact open work permit eligibility for spouses of international students and foreign workers in Canada.

Spouses can obtain an open work permit if the principal applicant:

  • Has a valid work permit or authorization to work;
  • Will work for at least 16 months;
  • Is employed in:
    • TEER 0 or 1 (management/professional) occupations, OR
    • Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations.

TEER 2 eligible occupations include technical roles in:

  • Chemical, geological, and biological technologies;
  • Engineering technologists;
  • Computer and IT support;
  • Healthcare technicians;
  • Dental and medical technologists;
  • Early childhood educators;
  • Various specialized technician roles.

TEER 3 eligible occupations Include skilled trades such as:

  • Electricians;
  • Plumbers;
  • Mechanics;
  • Construction trades;
  • Transport operators;
  • Specialized service technicians.

Spouses can now obtain an open work permit if the primary student is:

  • Pursuing a master’s degree (16 months or longer);
  • Enrolled in a doctoral program;
  • Participating in an eligible program;
  • Studying specific professional degree programs, including:
    • Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD);
    • Law (LLB, JD, BCL);
    • Medicine (MD);
    • Optometry (OD);
    • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm);
    • Veterinary Medicine (DVM);
    • Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc, BN);
    • Education (BEd);
    • Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc).

All applications received before January 21, 2025, at 5:00 UTC will continue to be processed and will be evaluated under previous eligibility criteria. Previously approved open work permits remain valid.

Eligibility will depend on the type of worker’s status in Canada and whether the worker is on a permanent residence pathway.

Individuals unable to obtain an open work permit may still be eligible for alternative work permits or visitor/study permits. Applicants are advised to carefully review their specific circumstances and consult official immigration resources for detailed guidance

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.