Major Cuts to Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada

In a ground-breaking announcement concerning the future of Canada's immigration policies, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed sweeping changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program. Over the next three years, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to drastically reduce the number of permits issued, leading to an anticipated deficit of more than 100,000 permits.

During a press briefing on September 18, Minister Miller outlined new eligibility restrictions that will affect spouses of international students, particularly those enrolled in certain master's and doctoral programs. Under the new rules, SOWP eligibility for spouses of master’s degree students will only be granted if the program lasts at least 16 months.

This decision builds upon earlier changes made by the IRCC in 2023, where permits were limited to spouses of students enrolled in specific programs at designated learning institutions. Notably, the introduction of a cap on study permits for 2025, with only 12% allocated for master's and doctoral students, has compounded the situation.

The sweeping adjustments are not restricted to international students alone. SOWP eligibility will also be tightened for spouses of temporary foreign workers, limiting these permits to the spouses of high-skilled professionals such as executives, engineers, professors, and those working in industries plagued by labor shortages. These restrictions are projected to lead to approximately 100,000 fewer SOWPs being issued.

While details on the implementation date of these changes remain unclear, as of April 30, spouses of international students can still apply if their partner is enrolled in qualifying degree programs, including Doctor of Dental Surgery, Juris Doctor, Doctor of Medicine, and more. Essential documentation, including proof of enrollment or acceptance from a designated learning institution, will be required.

This shift in policies is also part of broader reforms targeting Canada's immigration framework. The IRCC has introduced a cap on study permit applications for 2024 with plans for further reductions in 2025. Additionally, new language proficiency criteria have been imposed for Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants, requiring university graduates to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7, and college graduates a CLB of 5.

Minister Miller anticipates this initiative will decrease the percentage of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5% to 5% over the next three years, stating that the previous measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost immigration are no longer imperative as the economy recovers.

Stay tuned for more updates as the IRCC prepares to unveil further details in the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan set to be released by November 1, marking a pivotal moment in Canada’s immigration strategy!