As an immigration expert at Rio Immigration Consultancy Group, it’s crucial to keep our clients informed about the latest changes from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Canada’s Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program is undergoing substantial modifications, as revealed recently by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Over the course of the next three years, thousands of families and people will be impacted by these changes, which will result in a reduction of more than 100,000 SOWPs. What you should know is as follows.
Important Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs)
Minister Miller announced a number of changes on September 18 that will restrict eligibility for spouses of foreign students studying abroad and for some temporary foreign employees. Spouses of students enrolled in doctorate and some master’s programs, some professional programs, and some pilot programs will be subject to additional limitations as a result of these modifications. One significant modification is that spouses of master’s degree candidates will no longer be eligible for work permits unless the program lasts for at least 16 months.
This modification comes after the IRCC’s earlier declaration this year, which had already limited the scope of SOWPs. Spouses of overseas students participating in particular master’s or doctorate programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) were the only ones eligible for SOWPs under the previous standards. There were also a few restricted exclusions for several undergraduate programs that were thought to be in great demand. These new limits are part of IRCC’s larger attempts to manage the entry of temporary residents to Canada. These actions will result in a roughly 50,000 decrease in the number of SOWPs granted to spouses of overseas students over the course of the following three years.
The IRCC has announced additional restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) that extend beyond just international students. Under the new rules, spouses of temporary foreign workers will only be eligible for work permits if their sponsors are highly skilled workers in specific fields, including C-suite executives, scientists, engineers, lawyers, academics, technicians, and others. Additionally, spouses of individuals employed in sectors facing critical labor shortages will also qualify.
This decision is expected to result in 100,000 fewer SOWPs issued over the next three years, significantly limiting opportunities for spouses of international students and foreign workers who do not meet these new criteria.
Canada’s temporary resident population has surged in recent years, with over 2 million temporary residents arriving in 2023 alone. While this influx helped stimulate the economy during the recovery from the pandemic, the IRCC has indicated that the economy has now stabilized, making such aggressive temporary immigration policies unnecessary.
Minister Miller noted that Canada aims to reduce its temporary resident population from 6.5% to 5% of the overall population in the next three years. The new SOWP restrictions are part of this broader strategy to decrease the number of temporary residents in the country.
New Requirements for Master’s and Doctoral Students
The recent regulations have also established a limit on the number of study permits available for master’s and doctoral students. The IRCC has designated 12% of the 437,000 study permits for 2025 for this group. In contrast, there is no cap for 2024, indicating a more gradual implementation of these changes.
These actions reflect Canada’s shift towards more focused, high-demand programs. This strategy aligns with the IRCC’s broader objective of ensuring that temporary residents, including students and their spouses, are integrated into sectors that significantly contribute to the country’s economic and labor market needs.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are thinking about applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit or are currently in Canada on a study permit, it’s crucial to be aware of how these changes may impact your situation. Beginning April 30, spouses of international students will only be eligible to apply for a SOWP if their sponsor is enrolled in one of the following programs:
– Master’s or Doctoral degree programs (16 months or longer)
– Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
– Doctor of Medicine (MD)
– Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
– Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
– Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
– Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
Applicants are required to submit essential documents, such as a letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment from the designated learning institution (DLI), transcripts, and evidence of their relationship with the student.
At Rio Immigration Consultancy Group, we are dedicated to assisting you in navigating these changes. Whether you are a student or a spouse, we can support you throughout the application process and ensure that all necessary documentation is properly prepared.
As Canada tightens its immigration policies, staying informed and prepared is essential. The team at Rio Immigration Consultancy Group is ready to assist you in understanding these changes and their potential effects on your immigration objectives. Whether you are applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit or considering other options, we are committed to guiding you through every stage of the process.
