Canada’s Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program, which has long been a source of financial relief for families of international students and foreign workers, is undergoing sweeping changes. For years, spouses and common-law partners of international students and skilled foreign workers have been able to obtain open work permits, allowing them to contribute to Canada’s economy while supporting their partners. The recent changes, however, draw clearer lines on who qualifies—and who doesn’t. Effective from January 21, 2025, the new regulations significantly restrict eligibility, a move officials say aligns with Canada’s labor market needs but leaves many families scrambling for alternatives.
Spouses of international students: Who’s in, who’s out?
Under the previous rules, spouses of all international students were eligible for open work permits, regardless of their partner’s academic level. That is no longer the case.
Who qualifies now? Spouses of students enrolled in graduate programs (master’s degrees of at least 16 months and PhD programs) and select professional degrees will remain eligible. These include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Who no longer qualifies? Spouses of international students pursuing undergraduate degrees or non-qualifying programs will no longer be eligible for work permits. The change cuts off a major source of financial stability for many families who had planned on dual-income support while in Canada.
Spouses of foreign workers: Tightening the rules
The landscape for spouses of foreign workers is shifting just as dramatically. Previously, any foreign worker’s spouse could apply for an open work permit. Under the new guidelines, eligibility is tied to the foreign worker’s occupation.
Eligible: Spouses of workers in TEER 0 and 1 occupations, which include executive and managerial positions, as well as specialized technical roles.
Conditionally Eligible: Spouses of workers in TEER 2 and 3 occupations—including construction, healthcare, education, and natural resources—may still qualify, but only if their partner’s job is deemed critical to labor market shortages.
New Requirement: The principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of application.
Biggest Shift: Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for open work permits.
SOWP: How to apply
If you still qualify under the updated SOWP rules, here’s how to apply.
Determine Eligibility: Verify that your spouse’s study or work program qualifies under the new restrictions.
Gather Documents: Required documents include proof of relationship, proof of your spouse’s study or work status, and evidence of their eligibility.
Apply Online: Applications must be submitted through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
Prepare for Processing Delays: Given the volume of expected applications and potential policy adjustments, applying early is advisable.
