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Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Restrictions
Effective: January 21, 2025
TL;DR
SOWPs restricted to spouses of TEER 0/1 workers (and select TEER 2/3 priority occupations). Spouses of low-skilled workers no longer eligible. Spouses of students restricted to those in Master's programs ≥16 months, doctoral, or specific professional programs. Most dependent children no longer eligible.
What changed
- TEER 4/5 worker spouses no longer eligible.
- Spouses of students limited to spouses of long-form Master's, PhD, and selected professional-program students.
- Most dependent children no longer eligible for OWPs.
Who is affected
Spouses of foreign workers and international students, plus dependent children.
Verify on canada.ca
Always confirm policy details, dates, and exact eligibility on the Government of Canada source page before acting:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/changes-open-work-permits-family-members-temporary-residents.html ↗Related immigration topics
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