As of January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new restrictions on who can receive an Open Work Permit (OWP) as a family member of an international student or foreign worker. These changes are designed to align with labour market priorities and reduce strain on Canada’s immigration processing systems.
Family OWPs will now focus on spouses of workers in specific occupations, particularly those in high-demand sectors. Dependent children will no longer qualify for Family Open Work Permits under the revised rules.
Who Is Still Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility for family OWPs has become more limited. Only two categories of spouses remain eligible:
1. Spouses of Certain International Students
Spouses of international students may still qualify, especially if the student is in an advanced program or a priority field.
2. Spouses of Foreign Workers in Designated Occupations
This group must meet more specific conditions:
The primary worker must hold a job in a NOC TEER —short for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities— 0 or 1 occupation, or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation that meets labour shortages or policy priorities.
The worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the OWP application.
Important: Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for OWPs.
Which Jobs Qualify Under the New TEER System?
To understand if your spouse qualifies, it’s essential to first understand how occupations are classified under Canada’s TEER system.
The eligibility of a family OWP now depends on the job classification of the primary applicant under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
The NOC uses TEER levels to organize job types:
TEER 0: Management roles
TEER 1: Jobs usually requiring a university degree
TEER 2 and 3: Jobs needing college diplomas or apprenticeship training
TEER 2 and 3 roles typically include skilled trades and technical positions that require college-level training or apprenticeship certification.
IRCC published the final list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations on January 21, 2025.
Examples include:
Healthcare
Licensed practical nurses
Medical sonographers
Pharmacy technicians
Skilled Trades and Construction
Carpenters
Plumbers
Welders
HVAC mechanics
Education and Social Services
Early childhood educators
Teaching assistants
Technology and Applied Sciences
Engineering technologists
IT support technicians
Transportation
Truck drivers
Heavy equipment operators
We recommend using Canada’s Job Bank to find your occupation’s NOC code and TEER classification. If your role fits one of the eligible categories, your spouse may still qualify for an open work permit.
Why the Rules Changed—and What You Should Do Next
IRCC’s policy shift reflects a broader effort to align temporary immigration programs with real economic demand. The goals include:
Filling labour shortages more efficiently
Reducing processing delays by narrowing eligibility
Targeting immigration to key industries to support long-term growth
This means the process for family members to join temporary foreign workers has become more selective. Families should review their qualifications early to avoid delays.
We Recommend:
Reviewing your job’s TEER level and NOC code to confirm eligibility
Ensuring your work permit has at least 16 months remaining
Exploring other options if your occupation is no longer eligible
If you are planning to apply in 2025 or considering renewal, start preparing early to avoid disruptions.
How We Can Help
Canada’s immigration rules are changing rapidly, and we know this can be overwhelming. At Dr. Joe’s Immigration, we’re committed to helping families understand how these updates impact their plans.
Our team can assist you by:
Evaluating your eligibility under the new OWP criteria
Advising on your NOC and TEER classification
Identifying alternative immigration options if needed
Now that the changes are in effect, it’s important to act with clarity and intention.
Contact Dr. Joe’s Immigration today to speak with a trusted advisor about your Family Open Work Permit options. We’ll help you stay informed, stay compliant, and stay on track toward your Canadian immigration goals.
