Yesterday, IRCC announced that the proposed changes to open work permit eligibility for spouses/ common-law partners in certain class will come into force on January 21, 2025.
Once the changes are in effect, spouses of international students will qualify for OWPs only if the student is enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, or select professional and eligible programs.
For foreign workers, spousal OWP eligibility is limited to those employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, and select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors facing labor shortages or aligned with government priorities, such as natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports, and military sectors. Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s application. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for OWPs.
The announcement also indicates that existing OWPs approved under the previous criteria will remain valid. In addition, spouses of foreign workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence are unaffected by these changes.
Vancouver’s Unemployment Rate Drops Below 6%: Opportunities for Employers
According to Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, Vancouver’s unemployment rate has recently fallen below 6%, opening doors again for employers to apply for a Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This includes Abbotsford-Missioon, Victoria and Kelowna as well. This development is a significant advantage for businesses facing labor shortages, as it simplifies the process of hiring foreign workers to fill essential roles.
The Low-Wage LMIA is designed to help employers in regions with low unemployment rates meet workforce demands when qualified local candidates are unavailable. In a thriving city like Vancouver, this program is particularly beneficial for industries such as hospitality, retail, and construction, where demand for workers often exceeds supply.
However, other requirements of the Low-Wage LMIA program, such as the 10% cap, remain unchanged. We strongly recommend that employers and/or temporary foreign workers consult with professionals to verify the employer’s eligibility for the Low-Wage LMIA program.
Hugh Yu / Senior Associate RCIC
