Canada globally stands out for its progressive migration policies and hosting international workers, students, and their families. However, beginning January 21, 2025, a number of significant changes are introduced concerning the Open Work Permit (OWP). The New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025 that will be applied in Canada are applicable to international students and foreign workers’ families.
These limits are set in place in order to fulfill economic issues, like the housing bubble and excess labour market. These modifications are implemented so migration policy will cater to long-term demands. First, let us discover what an Open Work Permit is and how it functions in families of international students and foreign workers in Canada.
Canada’s New Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025
The Open Work Permit (OWP) permits those individuals to paintings for any company in Canada, with out the need for a specific job offer or LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). This flexibility has made open work allows a popular option for global students and spouses of overseas people. But now Canada’s new Open Work Permit Restrictions 2025 have come into impact. Previously, households of worldwide college students and overseas employees protected their spouses, structured children and structured grandchildren. Now, these family definitions have been changed and are limited to spouses only.
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 spouses of international students:
Spouses of international students can only obtain an open work permit if the foreign student is studying in one of the following programs:
- Doctoral programs (PhD)
- Master’s programs that last at least 16 months
- Any professional degree program
- Any eligible program listed 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 spouses of foreign workers:
The foreign worker must work in one of the following TEER categories:
- TEER 0: Management category jobs
- TEER 1: jobs that require a university degree
- TEER 2 or 3: jobs in critical sectors such as health care, construction, education, natural resources, sports, or the military
In addition, when the spouse applies for OWP, the foreign worker’s work permit must be at least Must be valid for 16 months. It will no longer be possible for dependent children of foreign workers to apply for OWP.
Note: These new restrictions will most effective follow to programs submitted on or after January 21, 2025. Open paintings allows which have already been issued will remain legitimate until they expire. Applications that have been submitted earlier than January 21, 2025 may be processed in step with the previous eligibility situations.
Effects of the new OWP 2025
The implementation of these new rules may pose some challenges for international students and foreign workers. For example, spouses of international students who have shorter or less specialized programs will no longer be eligible for OWP. Foreign workers may also have difficulty adjusting to Canadian society, as their families will not be able to participate in the labour market. The Government of Canada estimates that families’ OWP will decrease over the next three years, putting pressure on the housing market and the labour market.
While these new changes are an attempt to balance Canada’s immigration policy from a long-term perspective, on the other hand, it may also create difficulties for those who are thinking of settling in Canada with their families.
FAQs
What are the new Open Work Permit restrictions in Canada for 2025?
Starting in 2025, open work permits are restricted to spouses of foreign workers in high-demand jobs and spouses of international students enrolled in eligible programs.
Who qualifies for the new Open Work Permit in Canada in 2025?
Eligible spouses of foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs, as well as spouses of international students in specific Master’s or doctoral programs, can apply.
Are dependent children eligible for Open Work Permits under the new 2025 rules?
No, dependent children of foreign workers or international students will no longer be eligible for open work permits under the new 2025 restrictions.