Canada’s Open Work Permit Gets Tougher in 2026 – Full Breakdown of New Rules, TEER Limits, and Family Impact

Canada continues to refine its immigration policies to balance economic needs with sustainable growth, and the Canada Open Work Permit 2025 introduces targeted changes effective January 21, 2025.** These updates, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, significantly tighten eligibility for family members of temporary foreign workers and international students, while still preserving flexibility for high-skilled contributors.

The open work permit remains a powerful immigration tool, allowing eligible holders to work for almost any employer in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, under the 2025 framework, applicants must now meet stricter eligibility criteria linked directly to the principal applicant’s occupation, skill level, and permit validity.

Why Canada Changed Its Open Work Permit Policy in 2025

Throughout recent years, Canada has relied heavily on temporary residents to fill labour gaps and support economic growth. However, rising housing pressure, infrastructure strain, and record-high temporary resident volumes prompted federal authorities to recalibrate immigration inflows.

The Canada Open Work Permit 2025 reforms aim to:

• Prioritise high-skilled labour shortages
• Reduce unintended growth in temporary resident numbers
• Align family migration with labour market demand
• Protect long-term economic sustainability

These changes reflect a broader federal shift toward quality over quantity, particularly in family-linked work authorization.

What the Canada Open Work Permit Still Allows in 2025

Despite tighter rules, the open work permit continues to offer substantial benefits. Eligible holders can:

• Work for any employer in Canada
• Change jobs without reapplying
• Gain Canadian work experience for permanent residence
• Access provincial healthcare and employment protections

However, eligibility is no longer universal for spouses and dependants, marking a major policy shift.

Key Changes to Canada Open Work Permit 2025 Rules

The most significant change under the 2025 update is the restriction of eligibility for family members, particularly dependent children, who no longer qualify for open work permits.

Previously, spouses of many foreign workers and international students could apply regardless of skill level. As of January 21, 2025, eligibility is restricted primarily to spouses and common-law partners of high-skilled workers.

Applications submitted before January 21, 2025 continue to be processed under earlier rules, offering temporary relief for those already in the system.

Transitional Protection for Existing Permit Holders

Current open work permit holders are not affected retroactively. Their permits remain valid until expiry, ensuring stability for families already living and working in Canada.

This transitional protection prevents sudden disruption while gradually enforcing the new framework.

New Permit Validity Requirements for Principal Applicants

Under the revised rules, the principal applicant’s permit must have at least 16 months of remaining validity at the time the spouse applies.

In some streams, principals must also show a minimum of six months of prior employment in Canada, ensuring the worker is established before family members receive open work authorization.

Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers in 2025

Spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers now qualify only if the principal applicant is employed in high-skilled occupations classified under TEER 0, TEER 1, or selected TEER 2 and TEER 3 roles within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

This change directly ties family eligibility to Canada’s labour market needs.

Understanding TEER 0 and TEER 1 Occupations

TEER 0 and TEER 1 categories include:

• Senior managers and executives
• Engineers and architects
• IT professionals and developers
• University professors and researchers
• Healthcare specialists

These roles reflect sectors facing chronic skill shortages and high economic demand.

Select TEER 2 Occupations That Still Qualify

Only specific TEER 2 roles remain eligible, including:

• Chemical technologists
• Licensed practical nurses
• Paramedics
• Engineering technicians
• Skilled construction trades

Each role must match an approved NOC code, verified at the time of application.

Select TEER 3 Occupations Eligible in 2025

Some TEER 3 occupations remain eligible due to persistent labour shortages, such as:

• Dental assistants
• Nurse aides
• Transport truck drivers
• Heavy equipment operators

These inclusions reflect Canada’s ongoing demand in healthcare support and logistics.

Additional Requirements for Spousal Eligibility

Beyond occupation, spouses must demonstrate:

• A genuine relationship (marriage or common-law)
• Shared residence or financial ties
• No criminal inadmissibility
• Medical admissibility where required

Fraud prevention remains a central enforcement priority under the updated rules.

Eligibility for Spouses of International Students in 2025

Spouses of international students face equally strict rules under the Canada Open Work Permit 2025 framework.

Eligibility is now limited to students enrolled in:

• Master’s programs
• PhD programs
• Designated professional degree programs

Undergraduate and diploma programs no longer qualify for spousal open work permits.

Professional Degree Programs That Qualify

Eligible professional programs include:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS/DMD)
• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Bachelor of Nursing (BScN/BSN)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

All programs must be offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Why Dependent Children No Longer Qualify

Under the 2025 policy, dependent children are excluded from open work permit eligibility.

IRCC’s reasoning focuses on:

• Controlling temporary resident numbers
• Ensuring work permits align with labour needs
• Limiting indirect labour market entry

Children may still enter Canada as visitors or students but cannot work freely.

NOC TEER Categories and Eligibility Overview

The TEER system now plays a central role in open work permit eligibility.

Eligible categories prioritise:

• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Skilled trades
• Technology
• Transportation

Applicants are encouraged to verify their NOC classification early using IRCC tools.

Step-by-Step Application Process for 2025

Applicants must apply online through the IRCC portal. The process includes:

• Completing an eligibility questionnaire
• Uploading required documents
• Submitting application forms
• Paying government fees
• Providing biometrics if required

Applications can be submitted from inside or outside Canada.

Required Forms and Government Fees

Applicants must complete:

• IMM 5710 (inside Canada)
• IMM 1295 (outside Canada)

Fees include:

• CAD 155 work permit fee
• CAD 100 open work permit holder fee
• CAD 85 biometrics fee (if applicable)

Total standard cost: CAD 255 (excluding biometrics).

Processing Times and Status Tracking

Average processing times range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on:

• Country of application
• Medical or police certificate requirements
• Volume of IRCC applications

Applicants can track status through their IRCC online account.

Common Reasons for Refusal in 2025

Most refusals stem from:

• Ineligible NOC classification
• Insufficient relationship proof
• Principal permit validity below 16 months
• Missing documents
• Financial inadmissibility

Reconsideration requests are possible but must be supported with strong evidence.

Benefits of an Open Work Permit Despite New Rules

For those who qualify, benefits remain substantial:

• Full labour market access
• Canadian work experience
• Higher Express Entry CRS scores
• Financial independence
• Faster permanent residence pathways

Open work permits remain among the most flexible immigration tools available.

Impact of 2025 Changes on Families and Employers

Lower-skilled families may face separation or alternative visa strategies, while high-skilled sectors benefit from talent retention.

Employers in healthcare, construction, and logistics gain greater workforce stability under targeted eligibility rules.

Long-Term Immigration Strategy Going Forward

The Canada Open Work Permit 2025 changes signal a broader policy direction:

• Controlled growth
• Skills-based family migration
• Labour market alignment
• Reduced processing backlogs

Applicants are strongly advised to plan early and verify eligibility before applying.

(5) FAQs

Q1: When do the new Canada Open Work Permit 2025 rules take effect?

The new rules take effect on January 21, 2025.

Q2: Are dependent children eligible for open work permits in 2025?

No. Dependent children are no longer eligible under the updated policy.

Q3: Can spouses of low-skilled workers still apply?

Only spouses of workers in approved TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 and 3 occupations qualify.

Q4: Will existing open work permit holders be affected?

No. Existing permits remain valid until expiry.

Q5: Is an LMIA required for an open work permit?

No. Open work permits do not require an LMIA.