In 2025, Canada made significant changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program regarding the eligibility of international students’ and temporary foreign workers’ spouses. These changes incorporate into broader strategy for controlling the number of temporary residents, as well as addressing matters of concern concerning housing affordability and social services.
Eligibility Criteria for Spouses of International Students
From January 21, 2025, spouses of international students are allowed to apply alongside the study permit application for an SOWP, but the eligibility is narrowed to granted to only spouses of students studying in certain programs:
- Master’s Degree Programs: This should be a program of a minimum duration of 16 months.
- Doctoral (PhD) Programs: Any doctoral program will do.
This change is aimed at smoothening the process for this set of applicants for whom the spouses can enter without affliction.
Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers and the New Rules Affecting Them
Hence, the new set of rules also affects categorically the spouses of temporary foreign workers. Open work permits will now be available only to the spouses of workers employed as managers or professionals, and who have assumed positions in high-demand occupations. The measure is designed to prioritize the Canadian labor market to which temporary foreign workers should be considered complementary to domestic labor force rather than competitor.
The Application Process and What to Look For
The applicants who will be considered eligible is advised to submit the SOWP along with the principal application, i.e. either the study permit application or the work permit application, so that both applications can be processed simultaneously. This, in turn, will ensure that the process doesn’t take an undue amount of time, thus allowing the families to well plan for their move to Canada.
The changes could also have an impact on the current holders of SOWP. There have been no announcements from IRCC on how the new rules will affect current permit holders with respect to their extension. The holders of SOWP should henceforth watch the updates for compliance with Canadian immigration rules.
Conclusion
In 2025, Canadian measures, as reflected in the revised SOWP rules, are aimed at balancing the perceived enticement to family reunification with considerations of temporarily restricting the number of persons immigrating to the country domestically for the protection of the labor market. The new eligibility criteria need to be very carefully considered, therefore, for those who promise to apply forward showing that life in Canada will have a smooth landing.