Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has introduced major changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility criteria, impacting spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers. Announced on September 18, these changes will limit SOWP eligibility to specific academic programs. For instance, only spouses of international students enrolled in doctoral, select professional programs, and certain master’s programs of 16 months or more will be eligible. Previously, SOWPs were available for a broader range of studies, including some high-demand undergraduate programs.
Additionally, starting in 2025, the number of study permits for master’s and doctoral students will be capped, and only 12% of the 437,000 permits will be allocated to these categories. This, in turn, will lead to a decrease of 50,000 SOWPs issued over the next three years.
The changes also extend to spouses of temporary foreign workers, with work permit eligibility now limited to spouses of highly skilled workers, including executives, scientists, engineers, lawyers, and workers in sectors facing labor shortages. The government expects this will result in 100,000 fewer permits issued over the next three years.
For anyone affected by these changes, understanding the evolving eligibility criteria is crucial. Nestabroad Immigration is here to provide expert guidance on SOWP applications and ensure you have the right support throughout the process. Contact us today to get personalized advice and assistance with your application
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