IRCC reducing Spousal Open Work Permits by more than 100,000 over the next three years

During a recent announcement on changes to Canada’s temporary resident programs, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed significant updates to the eligibility criteria for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs).

On September 18, Minister Miller outlined new restrictions for spouses of students in specific programs, including doctoral programs, certain master’s programs, select professional programs, and pilot programs. Notably, spouses of master’s degree students will only be eligible for a work permit if the student's program is at least 16 months in duration.

These changes are aimed at tightening the eligibility requirements for SOWPs in order to better align them with Canada's immigration priorities.

The recent changes follow IRCC’s earlier announcement that Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) would be limited to spouses of students enrolled in specific master’s or doctoral programs at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs), with exceptions for spouses of students in high-demand undergraduate programs.

Additionally, master’s and doctoral students will now be included in the cap on the number of study permits issued in 2025, a change that sets aside 12% of the 437,000 study permits for these students. Importantly, master's and PhD students are not included in the 2024 study permit cap.

While no further specific changes were detailed, Minister Miller noted that over the next three years, these adjustments will result in 50,000 fewer SOWPs being issued to the spouses of international students. This is part of broader efforts to manage Canada’s international student population and work permit issuance.

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Temporary foreign workers also affected

Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) are also being introduced for temporary foreign workers outside the international student program.

IRCC plans to restrict SOWP eligibility to the spouses of highly skilled, specialized workers, such as:

• C-suite executives
• Scientists
• Engineers
• Lawyers
• Professors
• Technicians

Additionally, SOWPs will be available to spouses of workers in sectors facing key labor shortages.

These new rules are expected to result in 100,000 fewer SOWPs being issued over the next three years, as part of Canada's effort to focus on specific sectors and highly skilled workers.

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How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

While no official date has been set for the tightened SOWP restrictions, as of April 30 this year, spouses of international students can apply for a SOWP if their sponsor is an international student enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program, or one of the following professional degree programs:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

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Required Documents:

When applying, IRCC will request the following documents:

• A valid letter of acceptance from the sponsor’s designated learning institution (DLI)
• A proof of enrolment letter from the DLI
• Transcripts from the sponsor’s current program

If the applicant is participating in an eligible pilot program, additional proof is required. Applicants must also provide proof of their relationship to the international student.

Duration of the SOWP:

If approved, the SOWP will be valid for the same length of time as the sponsor’s study permit.

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Other Changes for Temporary Residents

The changes to Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility are part of broader measures IRCC has implemented this year, with significant changes affecting the international student program:

1. Study Permit Cap: For 2024, IRCC has introduced a cap on the number of study permit applications it will process. This cap will be further reduced in 2025.
2. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): University graduates now need to prove a CLB 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. College graduates must demonstrate a CLB 5.

Temporary Resident Levels in the Immigration Levels Plan

For the first time, the Immigration Levels Plan—set to be released by November 1—will include temporary resident targets. This plan will outline the number of newcomers Canada aims to welcome over the next three years.

In 2023, over 2 million temporary residents arrived in Canada. Minister Miller announced that new restrictions aim to reduce the temporary resident population from 6.5% to 5% over the next three years.

Post-COVID Economic Recovery

Minister Miller emphasized that, while the measures to boost immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic were successful in supporting Canada’s economic recovery, they are no longer necessary as the economy has stabilized. As a result, IRCC is focusing on reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada and implementing stricter criteria across various immigration programs.

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