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Canada Restricts Open Work Permits for Family Members of Temporary Residents
Canada has introduced several key tax updates for 2025
In this week’s issue, Canada has introduced several key tax updates for 2025, how Canada Permanent Residents can vote for a new Liberal Party leader, and Canada and the U.S. have begun automatically sharing biographic and biometric data of permanent residents crossing the border
Canada Restricts Open Work Permits for Family Members of Temporary Residents
Key Changes Effective January 21, 2025 📋
Canada is tightening Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes align temporary immigration policies with Canada’s economic priorities and labour market needs.
Eligibility Updates for Family Members 🛠️
Spouses of International Students: Only those whose partners are enrolled in master’s (16+ months), doctoral, or select professional programs will qualify for OWPs.
Spouses of Foreign Workers: Eligibility is limited to those whose partners work in TEER 0 or 1 roles or select TEER 2 or 3 jobs in high-demand sectors like healthcare and construction.
Dependent Children: No longer eligible for OWPs under the new rules.
Impact on Existing Work Permits 📉
Current OWPs issued before January 21, 2025, remain valid until expiration. Renewals are possible if they meet the original eligibility criteria and align with the principal applicant’s permit.
Planning Ahead 🗓️
Families should verify eligibility, check work permit validity, and monitor updates on eligible occupations to adapt to the new rules effectively.
TRENDING NEWS
Canada and the U.S. have begun automatically sharing biographic and biometric data of permanent residents crossing the border, following an updated agreement signed in July 2024. This change raises privacy concerns while aiming to enhance border security and migration management. Read more
Canada has introduced several key tax updates for 2025, including changes to capital gains rates, CPP thresholds, and compliance requirements for short-term rentals and trusts. These updates impact entrepreneurs, including those applying under the Start-Up Visa program. Read more
Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program continues to be a top choice for innovative entrepreneurs aiming for permanent residency while establishing businesses. Explore the 2025 updates, application process, and advantages of this program. Read more
Canadian authorities may refuse to process an LMIA application under specific conditions, including regulatory non-compliance and public policy considerations. Reasons include exceeding low-wage caps, high unemployment in job locations, and live-in caregiver requirements. Read more
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