Effective January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revised the eligibility criteria for OWPs for family members of international students and foreign workers. Key changes include:
- Spouses of International Students: Eligibility is now limited to those whose partners are enrolled in master’s programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs, or select professional programs.
- Spouses of Foreign Workers: Eligibility is restricted to spouses of workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities. Additionally, the principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s application.
- Dependent Children: No longer eligible for OWPs under the new regulations.
Existing OWPs approved under previous criteria remain valid until their expiration.
