Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have announced plans to reduce the number of Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) by more than 100,000 over the next three years. This significant policy change will impact thousands of international students, temporary foreign workers, and their families who rely on SOWPs for work opportunities in Canada.
The changes have been gradually introduced throughout 2024. For many, these reductions raise concerns about the future of work opportunities for spouses of international students and skilled foreign workers. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes to Spousal Open Work Permits.
What Are Spousal Open Work Permits?
Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) allow spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary residents, such as international students and skilled foreign workers, to work in Canada during their spouse’s stay. These permits have provided valuable economic and social support for families, allowing spouses to gain Canadian work experience while contributing to household income.
However, recent changes will narrow the eligibility criteria for SOWPs, limiting who can apply and under what circumstances. This tightening of rules is part of a broader initiative by the Canadian government to control immigration levels and reduce temporary resident numbers in the country.
Key Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits
The IRCC has outlined a series of measures that will reduce the number of SOWPs issued. Here are the major changes:
Reduction in Permits for International Students’ Spouses
IRCC will limit the eligibility for SOWPs to spouses of students enrolled in specific master’s and doctoral programs at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs). For other postgraduate programs, including some professional degrees, the duration of the student’s program must be at least 16 months for their spouse to qualify for a SOWP.
This move is expected to reduce the number of permits issued by 50,000, affecting spouses of students pursuing shorter, non-research-based degrees.
Limits on Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers
Another critical change affects the spouses of temporary foreign workers. Going forward, only the spouses of highly skilled workers in specialized professions will qualify for SOWPs. This includes sectors like science, engineering, law, medicine, and high-demand technical fields. IRCC aims to issue 100,000 fewer SOWPs to these groups over the next three years, restricting work opportunities for families of foreign workers in non-specialized occupations.
Capping the Study Permit Program
Another related change is the cap imposed on study permits, limiting the number of international students allowed to study in Canada. This directly impacts SOWP issuance, as fewer study permits mean fewer eligible spouses. The government has reserved 12% of the total study permits for master’s and doctoral students in 2025, further reducing work permit opportunities for their spouses.
These new restrictions come at a time when many families rely on the SOWP to maintain financial stability while living in Canada. For spouses of international students, particularly those pursuing short-term or non-research-based degrees, the new rules mean fewer opportunities to work while their partners complete their studies.
Additionally, temporary foreign workers who don’t fall under the highly specialized category may find it more challenging to bring their spouses with them, impacting family cohesion and long-term plans to settle in Canada.
Why Is IRCC Making These Changes?
IRCC’s decision to reduce the number of Spousal Open Work Permits is part of a broader strategy to manage temporary immigration levels in Canada. Over 2 million temporary residents arrived in Canada in 2023, making up 6.5% of the country’s population. The government’s goal is to bring this number down to 5% over the next three years.
Following the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government has deemed some of the immigration policies introduced during that time as no longer necessary. As the country moves forward, the focus will shift towards more selective criteria for temporary resident permits, including Spousal Open Work Permits, to better manage population growth and immigration numbers.
How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit Under the New Rules
For those who still qualify, the process for applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit remains largely the same, although with stricter eligibility criteria. To apply for a SOWP, the applicant must:
Be the spouse or common-law partner of an international student enrolled in a designated master’s, doctoral, or professional program, or the spouse of a highly skilled foreign worker in specific occupations.
Provide supporting documents such as a letter of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of enrollment, and evidence of their relationship with the primary applicant. For spouses of temporary foreign workers, IRCC may require additional documentation proving the worker’s occupation falls under the highly skilled category, such as employment contracts or credentials.
For those who qualify, securing a Spousal Open Work Permit remains an important pathway to gaining valuable work experience in Canada while supporting family life. As these changes take effect, staying informed and prepared is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration.
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