IRCC Expands Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses and Children from 30th Jan, 2023

• Eligibility criteria for open work permit to be changed from January 30, 2023.
• IRCC will expand the eligibility criteria for the dependents of temporary foreign workers. They can apply for an open work permit and their family members can simultaneously apply for a visit, work, or study visa.

Here are the eligibility criteria for dependents:

• The primary work permit holder should be working in any job of the (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities )TEER categories from 0 to 5
• Have an open work permit
• The economic classes permanent resident applicants should have a work permit to invite their spouses, common-law partners, and dependents.

Spousal Open work permit (SOWP)

• SOWP refers to a Spousal open work permit that lets candidates be employed by any Canadian employer. It is precisely for spouses of candidates with a work permit or a study permit. It also includes individuals sponsored under the Spousal Sponsorship Class in Canada.
• SOWP (Spousal Open Work Permit) holders can now work for any Canadian employer starting from Feb 2023.

Other options to migrate to Canada for spouses and common-law partner

If spouses or common-law partners are not interested to work in Canada, they can apply for visit or study visa. Dependent children will also be allowed to apply for study, work, or visit visas.