Eligibility Changes for Spouses:
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1. Only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers can apply for a family OWP.
- Master’s programs (16 months or longer),
- Doctoral programs, or
- Select professional/eligible programs.
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or
- Specific TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labor shortages or government priorities (list available January 21, 2025).
2. Eligible international students must be enrolled in:
3. Eligible foreign workers must be employed in:
Additional Conditions for Foreign Workers:
- The foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP.
Changes for Dependent Children:
- Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for OWPs.
Renewals for Current Permit Holders:
- Existing OWPs approved under previous rules remain valid.
- Family members in Canada can renew their work permits if:
- They meet the same criteria as the current permit.
- The renewal matches the duration of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Exemptions:
- Spouses of workers under free-trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residence are unaffected.