Canada Restricts Open Work Permits for Families, Check Eligibility Criteria and Payment Date

For decades, the Canada Open Work Permit (OWP) has been one of the most flexible pathways for international workers, students, and families to live and work in the country. Unlike employer-specific permits, it allows holders to work for almost any Canadian employer, making it a lifeline for those looking to gain Canadian experience without being tied down.

But in 2025, significant changes have been introduced. The government has tightened eligibility, restricting some of the family-based access that existed in previous years. While the OWP remains a vital entry point for thousands of newcomers, the system is now more targeted, prioritizing Canada’s labour market needs and immigration integrity.

So, who still qualifies, and what do you need to do if you’re planning to apply this year? Let’s break it all down.

What’s New in 2025?

The Canadian government has reshaped the OWP program to balance immigration goals with the country’s economic priorities. The most notable updates include:

• Spousal Work Permits Restricted: Only spouses of high-skilled foreign workers in designated occupations now qualify.
• Student Spouse Rules Tightened: Only spouses of graduate-level international students can apply; undergraduate-level students’ spouses are excluded.
• Dependent Children Removed: Family-based streams no longer extend to dependent children of foreign workers or students.
• Labour-Focused Pathways Expanded: More emphasis on targeted sectors facing worker shortages, ensuring permits go where demand is highest.

In short, Canada is shifting from broad family eligibility to strategic workforce support, reducing the scope for dependents while reinforcing opportunities for workers and graduates.

Why Did These Changes Happen?

Government officials point to two main reasons:

1. Labour Market Demand: With ongoing shortages in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, Canada wants to prioritize foreign workers who can fill these critical roles.
2. System Integrity: The government has expressed concerns about misuse of family-based permits. By narrowing eligibility, Ottawa aims to ensure the system benefits those aligned with economic needs.

While these restrictions may disappoint many families, they reflect the broader reality of immigration planning: balancing compassion with sustainability.

Who Can Still Apply in 2025?

Despite the tighter rules, several groups remain eligible for an Open Work Permit this year. Let’s go through them in detail:

1. International Graduates

Graduates with a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) continue to be eligible. This pathway remains one of the most important stepping stones toward permanent residency.

2. Spouses of High-Skilled Workers

Partners of temporary foreign workers in designated high-skilled jobs (such as health professionals, engineers, and IT specialists) are still eligible for OWP.

3. Spouses of Graduate-Level Students

While spouses of undergraduate students no longer qualify, those married to or partnered with students in Master’s or PhD programs can still apply.

4. Permanent Residence Applicants

Applicants waiting for their permanent residence (PR) under specific streams remain eligible, allowing them to work while their applications are processed.

5. Refugees and Protected Persons

Canada continues to uphold its humanitarian commitments, ensuring that refugees and protected persons can receive an OWP.

6. Temporary Resident Permit Holders

Certain TRP holders may qualify, provided their status aligns with eligibility rules.

7. International Experience Canada (IEC)

Participants in the IEC program, including working holiday visa holders, remain eligible for open work permits as before.

Who No Longer Qualifies?

The most significant exclusions introduced in 2025 include:

• Dependent children of workers and students (previously allowed).
• Spouses of undergraduate international students.
• Spouses of low- or medium-skilled workers not in designated occupations.

This shift means that fewer family members can directly benefit from the OWP program, creating new challenges for families hoping to relocate together.

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit in 2025

Applying in 2025 remains a fully digital process through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create an Account: Log into the IRCC online services portal.
2. Select Your Category: Ensure you apply under the correct eligibility stream (graduate spouse, skilled worker spouse, PR applicant, etc.).
3. Prepare Documents:

• Proof of relationship (if applying as a spouse).
• Proof of study enrollment or work permit (for spouses of students/workers).
• Immigration or refugee status (if applicable).
• Passport, ID, and previous permits.

1. Pay Fees: CAD 255 total (CAD 155 for the work permit + CAD 100 open permit fee).
2. Submit Application: Upload documents, complete forms, and submit online.
3. Processing Time: Typically 6–10 weeks, though this may vary depending on demand.

Applicants are advised to apply early, especially if their current permits or statuses are close to expiring.

Key Changes at a Glance (Comparison Table)

Category	Before 2025	After 2025
Spouses of TFWs	Most categories allowed	Only high-skilled occupations
Spouses of international students	All levels allowed	Only graduate-level students
Dependent children	Eligible under family stream	No longer eligible
International graduates (PGWP)	Eligible	Still eligible
Permanent residence applicants	Eligible	Still eligible
Refugees, TRP holders, IEC workers	Eligible	Still eligible

Why the OWP Still Matters

Even with these restrictions, the Open Work Permit remains one of the most valuable immigration tools. Its benefits include:

• Freedom to Work Anywhere: Unlike employer-specific permits, OWPs are not tied to a single job or company.
• Family Integration (Limited): While restrictions exist, spouses in certain categories can still work freely.
• Pathway to PR: Canadian work experience gained under an OWP can significantly boost permanent residency applications.
• Flexibility for Graduates: International students can transition smoothly into the workforce.

Implications for Students and Families

For international students, the biggest shift is the removal of undergraduate spousal eligibility. This could influence where students choose to study, as families may look to countries offering more inclusive spousal rights.

For families of foreign workers, the new rules mean greater scrutiny of occupations. Only spouses of those in Canada’s most in-demand jobs qualify, limiting access for families in lower-wage or medium-skill sectors.

Advice for Applicants in 2025

• Check Occupation Lists: Ensure your spouse’s job is classified as high-skilled and falls under eligible categories.
• Document Everything: Applications often get delayed due to missing or incomplete paperwork.
• Apply Early: Processing can take months; don’t wait until your status expires.
• Consider Alternatives: If you don’t qualify for OWP, explore other immigration programs such as employer-specific work permits, study permits, or provincial nominee programs.

Looking Ahead – Will More Changes Come?

Immigration experts believe more targeted reforms could follow. With Canada aiming to balance high immigration targets with labour shortages, flexibility will be key. Some speculate the government may:

• Further tighten or expand occupational categories.
• Introduce temporary pilot programs in healthcare or tech.
• Adjust processing priorities to match regional labour gaps.

For now, 2025 marks one of the most substantial shifts in Canada’s open work permit policy in recent years.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can spouses of all international students still apply for OWP in 2025?
No. Only spouses of graduate-level students (Master’s or PhD programs) are eligible.

Q2: Are dependent children eligible for Open Work Permits in 2025?
No. Dependent children are no longer included in the family stream.

Q3: How much does it cost to apply for an Open Work Permit?
The total fee is CAD 255 per applicant (CAD 155 for the permit and CAD 100 open permit fee).

Q4: What is the average processing time for OWP applications in 2025?
Processing typically takes 6–10 weeks, though timelines may vary by volume.

Q5: Do international graduates still qualify for OWP in 2025?
Yes. Graduates with a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) remain fully eligible.