IRCC Confirms Major Open Work Permit Changes, New Rules for Spouses and Families Explained

For years, the Canada Open Work Permit (OWP) has been one of the most popular immigration pathways, offering international graduates, skilled professionals, and their families a chance to live and work freely across the country. Unlike employer-specific permits, the OWP gives holders the flexibility to work for any employer, in any province, and in nearly any industry.

But in 2025, the Canadian government is introducing major reforms. Designed to better match labour market needs and address growing concerns about program misuse, the changes will significantly narrow eligibility, particularly for spouses and dependent children.

For those planning to apply this year, it’s essential to understand what’s different, who still qualifies, and how to position your application for success.

What’s new in the 2025 Open Work Permit policy

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the OWP framework is shifting toward a more targeted model. Until now, spouses of most temporary foreign workers and international students could easily apply. In 2025, new restrictions will apply:

• Only spouses of high-skilled workers in designated occupations will be eligible.
• Some spouses of international students pursuing graduate-level programs in approved fields may still qualify.
• Dependent children of temporary foreign workers or students are no longer eligible under the family stream.

This change marks a significant departure from the family-inclusive approach Canada previously upheld. Policymakers argue that the system must adapt to prioritize sectors facing genuine labour shortages rather than granting broad access.

Who can apply for an Open Work Permit in 2025?

While the rules have tightened, several groups of applicants remain eligible under the new system.

Eligible Group	Eligibility in 2025
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders	✅ Still eligible
Spouses of high-skilled foreign workers	✅ Eligible (select jobs)
Spouses of graduate-level international students	✅ Eligible (specific programs)
Refugees and protected persons	✅ Eligible
International Experience Canada (IEC) participants	✅ Eligible
Permanent residence applicants (certain streams)	✅ Eligible
Dependent children of foreign workers	❌ Not eligible

The biggest change is the removal of children from the eligibility list and the narrowing of spousal access. This shift underscores the government’s focus on addressing labour shortages in healthcare, technology, and other high-demand industries.

Why the changes were made

The OWP has always been a high-demand immigration tool, but in recent years, concerns have grown around system pressures:

• Labour market alignment: Authorities want to ensure permits go to workers in fields where Canada faces talent shortages.
• Program integrity: By limiting spousal and dependent eligibility, the government hopes to reduce misuse of the system.
• Population pressures: With immigration numbers at record highs, policymakers are balancing economic needs with housing and infrastructure concerns.

In short, the new framework is designed to strike a balance: maintaining opportunities for skilled workers and students, while narrowing access for those outside targeted categories.

How to apply for a Canada Open Work Permit in 2025

The application process remains online-only through the IRCC portal. Applicants should prepare thoroughly to avoid delays, especially with stricter eligibility rules now in place.

Step-by-step process:

1. Create an IRCC account and log in to begin your application.
2. Choose your category (e.g., PGWP, spouse of a skilled worker, refugee).
3. Complete required forms and upload supporting documents, including:

• Valid passport
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or common-law declaration for spouses)
• Proof of primary applicant’s status (study or work permit)
• Enrollment documents (for international students)

1. Pay the fees: CAD \$255 per applicant (includes both processing and the open work permit holder fee).
2. Submit your application and retain confirmation.
3. Wait for processing: Typically 6 to 10 weeks, but may be longer due to demand.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, especially if their current visa or permit is set to expire soon.

Costs and processing times

• Application fee: CAD 255
• Biometrics fee (if required): CAD 85
• Processing window: 6–10 weeks (longer in peak periods)

IRCC has warned that processing times could fluctuate as the new framework is rolled out. Applicants should check the IRCC processing time tool regularly for updates.

Challenges for families in 2025

One of the most controversial changes is the exclusion of dependent children from eligibility. For years, families migrating to Canada relied on OWPs to allow children to work part-time while pursuing education or to bridge financial gaps.

Now, dependent children will need to apply under other immigration categories, such as study permits or specific youth mobility programs. For many, this could increase costs and paperwork, making family immigration more complex.

Opportunities that remain

Despite the restrictions, the Open Work Permit is still a powerful option for many categories of applicants:

• Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders continue to benefit, making Canada one of the most attractive destinations for international students.
• Spouses of skilled workers in select jobs—particularly in healthcare, IT, and engineering—can still obtain an OWP.
• Refugees and protected persons remain fully eligible, preserving Canada’s humanitarian commitments.

For those who qualify, the OWP offers unmatched flexibility to work anywhere in Canada, change employers without reapplying, and build Canadian experience crucial for permanent residency applications.

Planning your application strategically

Given the stricter rules, applicants should be more strategic than ever:

• Check eligibility early: Use IRCC’s eligibility tools before starting an application.
• Prepare documents in advance: Missing paperwork is one of the top reasons for delays.
• Consider alternative streams: If you no longer qualify, programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or employer-specific permits may still provide a pathway.
• Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer if your case is complex.

In today’s evolving landscape, staying informed and applying early could make all the difference between approval and disappointment.

5 SEO-Friendly FAQs

Q1: Who can apply for an Open Work Permit in 2025?
Post-graduation students, spouses of high-skilled workers, some spouses of graduate-level students, refugees, and PR applicants in certain streams remain eligible.

Q2: Are dependent children still eligible for OWPs?
No. As of 2025, dependent children are no longer eligible under the family stream.

Q3: How much does it cost to apply for an OWP in 2025?
The application fee is CAD 255 per applicant, plus CAD 85 for biometrics (if required).

Q4: How long does OWP processing take?
Processing typically takes 6 to 10 weeks, though times may vary depending on demand.

Q5: Do spouses of international students qualify?
Only spouses of students enrolled in graduate-level programs in approved fields qualify in 2025.