Canada to Reduce Spousal Open Work Permits by Over 100,000

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have revealed intentions to decrease the number of Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) by over 100,000 in the upcoming three years. This important policy change will affect thousands of international students, temporary foreign workers, and their families who depend on SOWPs for employment opportunities in Canada.

The modifications have been implemented progressively over the course of 2024. Many individuals express concerns regarding the future employment prospects for spouses of international students and skilled foreign workers due to these reductions. Here is essential information regarding the forthcoming modifications to Spousal Open Work Permits.

What are Spousal open work permits?

Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) enable spouses or common-law partners of specific temporary residents, including international students and skilled foreign workers, to engage in employment in Canada while their partner is residing there. These permits have offered significant economic and social assistance for families, enabling spouses to acquire Canadian work experience while adding to household income.

Recent changes will refine the eligibility criteria for SOWPs, restricting the pool of applicants and the conditions under which they can apply. The recent tightening of regulations is a component of a larger effort by the Canadian government aimed at managing immigration levels and decreasing the number of temporary residents in the nation.

Important Updates Regarding Spousal Open Work Permits

The IRCC has detailed a set of actions aimed at decreasing the issuance of SOWPs. The following are the significant updates:

Reduction Permits for Spouses of International Students

IRCC will restrict the eligibility for SOWPs to spouses of students who are enrolled in particular master’s and doctoral programs at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs). For various postgraduate programs, including certain professional degrees, the length of the student’s program must be a minimum of 16 months for their spouse to be eligible for a SOWP.

This action is anticipated to decrease the issuance of permits by 50,000, impacting spouses of students enrolled in shorter, non-research-based programs.

Limits on Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers

A significant alteration impacts the partners of temporary foreign workers. Going forward, only the spouses of highly skilled workers in specialized professions will qualify for SOWPs. This encompasses areas such as science, engineering, law, medicine, and in-demand technical disciplines. IRCC plans to reduce the issuance of SOWPs to these groups by 100,000 over the next three years, limiting work opportunities for families of foreign workers in non-specialized occupations.

Capping the Study Permit Program

A related change is the cap placed on study permits, which restricts the number of international students permitted to study in Canada. This has a direct effect on SOWP issuance, as a reduction in study permits results in a smaller number of eligible spouses. In 2025, the government has allocated 12% of the total study permits specifically for master’s and doctoral students, which consequently limits work permit opportunities for their spouses.

The recent restrictions arrive during a period when numerous families depend on the SOWP for financial stability while residing in Canada. For spouses of international students, especially those enrolled in short-term or non-research-based programs, the updated regulations result in limited chances to gain employment while their partners finish their education.

Furthermore, temporary foreign workers not classified as highly specialized may encounter difficulties in bringing their spouses along, which can affect family unity and their long-term intentions to establish themselves in Canada.

What is the reason behind the changes being implemented by IRCC?

The reduction of Spousal Open Work Permits by IRCC is a component of a larger strategy aimed at managing temporary immigration levels in Canada. In 2023, Canada welcomed over 2 million temporary residents, representing 6.5% of the nation’s population. The objective of the government is to reduce this figure to 5% within the next three years.

In the wake of the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government has determined that certain immigration policies implemented during that period are now unnecessary. As the nation progresses, attention will turn to more discerning standards for temporary resident permits, such as Spousal Open Work Permits, to effectively regulate population growth and immigration figures.

How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit Under the New Rules

For those who still qualify, the process for applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit remains largely the same, although with stricter eligibility criteria. To apply for a SOWP, the applicant must:

• Be the spouse or common-law partner of an international student enrolled in a designated master’s, doctoral, or professional program, or the spouse of a highly skilled foreign worker in specific occupations.
• Provide supporting documents such as a letter of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of enrollment, and evidence of their relationship with the primary applicant. For spouses of temporary foreign workers, IRCC may require additional documentation proving the worker’s occupation falls under the highly skilled category, such as employment contracts or credentials.

For those who qualify, securing a Spousal Open Work Permit remains an important pathway to gaining valuable work experience in Canada while supporting family life. As these changes take effect, staying informed and prepared is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration.

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