Canada is recognised internationally for its progressive immigration policies and its openness to welcome the foreign workers, international students, and their families. But starting from 21st January 2025, various significant changes are being introduced to OWP which is Open Work Permit. The Canada New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025 are being introduced for the family members of the international students and foreign workers. These restrictions aim to address the rising economic concerns including the housing shortages, labor market saturation. These are done so that immigration can support the long term needs. Let’s firstly know the Open work permit and how this works in Canada for the family members of the foreign workers and international students.
Canada New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025
Open work permit allows the eligible individuals to be employed in Canada for any employer without the need of specific job offer or LMIA. This flexibility has made OWP a popular option for the spouses of the international students and foreign workers. But now the Canada New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025 are now effective. Previously the family members of the international students and foreign workers included the spouses, dependent children as well as Dependent Grandchildren. But now these family member definitions have been changed as this will now only include the spouses.
New OWP Eligibility & Restrictions 2025- Overview
| Post Title | Canada New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Country | Canada |
| Name of the Permit | Open Work Permit |
| Category | Work Permit |
| Effective Date | 21st January 2025 |
| Changes To OWP | Changes in the Eligibility |
| Former Applicants | Spouses, children |
| What Excludes | Children and Grandchildren |
| Who’s Now Eligible | Only Spouses |
| Category | Finance |
| Official Web Page | www.canada.ca |
What Are the New OWP Restrictions 2025?
For International Students’ Spouses: International students spouses can only get the OWP if the foreign student is studying in any following programs:
- Doctoral programs (PhD).
- Master’s programs of at least 16 months duration or more.
- Any provided Professional degree program:
| Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DMD, DDS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Law/ Juris Doctor (LLB, BCL,JD), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Doctor of Optometry (OD), Bachelor of Nursing (BNSc), Pharmacy (BS, PharmaD, BSc, BPharma), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, BScN), Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BASc, BE) |
- Any eligible program provided here:
| Province | Eligibility Period | Program Name |
| British Columbia | From 21st Jan, 2025 | Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program from University of B.C. Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program from University of B.C.Post Degree Diploma in Nursing Practice from Langara College |
| Manitoba | From 21st Jan, 2025 | Nurse Re Entry from Red River College Polytechnic. |
| Ontario | From 21st Jan, 2025 | Supervised Practice Experience Partnership |
| Outside of Quebec | From 26th August, 2025 | FMCSP |
For the Spouses of the Foreign Workers: The foreign workers must be employed in one of the following TEER Categories:
- TEER 0 Management Occupations.
- TEER 1 Occupations requiring a university degree.
- Selected TEER 2 0r 3 Occupations in critical fields including healthcare, construction, education, natural resources, sports or military sectors.
Additionally, when the spouse files for the OWP, the foreign worker’s work permit must still be valid for 16 months. Foreign workers dependent children no longer qualify for the OWP.
Note: These new restrictions apply only to the applications submitted on or after 21st January 2025. Existing OWPs shall continue until they become invalid. Also the applications that have been submitted before 21st January, 2025 will be processed as per the previous eligibility conditions.
Implications of New OWP 2025
These new rules are expected to create challenges for international students and foreign workers. As the international students who are in shorter or less specialised programs, their spouses will not be qualified for OWP. Foreign workers may face challenges to integrate into Canadian society if their families are restricted from participating in the labor market. Canada Government estimates a reduction of family OWP over next three years so that this will ease pressures on the housing markets and labor market.
FAQ Related To Canada New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025
The OWP for the family members of the foreign students and international workers are now restricted to spouses only including the principal applicant program type and occupation.
No, dependent children do not qualify for the OWP 2025.
From 21st January 2025, the New OWP Restrictions will be effective.
No, OWPs issued before 21st Jan, 2025 will continue until they become invalid.
These New OWP Restrictions 2025 aims to address the housing shortages, labor market saturations and other economic challenges.
