Canada’s immigration policy is undergoing a significant change that will impact the lives of international students and their families, especially those from India. Starting January 21, 2025, Canada will implement a new set of regulations regarding Open Work Permits (OWP), specifically targeting family members of international students and foreign workers. The new changes are expected to affect thousands of Indian students who have moved to Canada for higher education, particularly those with spouses and dependent children in tow.
Key Changes to Family Open Work Permits
The new rules will limit the availability of family Open Work Permits to the spouses of international students enrolled in specific educational programs. These include Master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and certain professional programs. This restriction aims to focus on more specialized, high-skill academic tracks while excluding those in shorter or less demanding courses.
For students who require more time to complete their studies, the regulations will allow spouses and dependent children, already in Canada, to apply for permit renewals. However, the renewed permits will be tied to the same duration as the primary student’s study permit.
Family Open Work Permits for Foreign Workers
The restrictions for foreign workers are also tightening. Effective from the same date, only spouses of foreign workers employed in specific occupations will be eligible for an Open Work Permit. These jobs include high-skill positions in sectors such as health care, construction, natural resources, and certain educational fields. Additionally, workers must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for a family work permit.
Dependent children of foreign workers, previously eligible for family OWPs, will no longer qualify under these new rules.
Impact on Indian Students in Canada
For the large number of Indian students studying in Canada, the changes could have serious consequences. Approximately 400,000 Indian students currently live in Canada, with many bringing their families along. While the new regulations may limit the ability for spouses and children to work, the Canadian government is providing a transition period for applications made before January 21, 2025. Family members of workers covered by free-trade agreements or those transitioning to permanent residency will also be exempt from these changes.
What This Means for Future Applicants
Indian students, particularly those planning to bring spouses or children with them to Canada, will need to plan accordingly. With the new focus on high-skill academic programs, students in shorter programs or non-priority sectors may find it difficult to bring family members who can work. Moreover, the changes are part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage immigration and temporary worker programs effectively, and they reflect growing concerns over labor market impacts and immigration policy.
Additionally, Canadian immigration authorities (IRCC) have announced stricter penalties for immigration consultants who break the law, which could affect those relying on third-party services for their applications.