Canada to Cut 100,000 Spousal Work Permits in Major Immigration Reform

Canada is implementing substantial modifications to its Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program intending to reduce the number of permits issued by over 100,000 in the coming three years.

This initiative is part of Canada's broader immigration reform strategy, aimed at managing the country's rapidly expanding temporary resident population, which exceeded 2 million in 2023. The SOWP program has been a valuable resource for international families, allowing spouses or common-law partners of foreign students or skilled workers in Canada to seek employment without requiring a specific job offer. However, the forthcoming restrictions will significantly limit access to these permits, fundamentally altering the landscape for many families who have relied on this additional income source during their stay in Canada.

Under the new regulations, eligibility for SOWPs will be restricted to spouses of students enrolled in specific doctoral and master's programs with a minimum duration of 16 months. This narrowing of criteria will substantially reduce the availability of work permits for spouses of international students, potentially impacting the financial stability of many families residing in Canada. These changes to the SOWP program are part of a comprehensive set of reforms that include tightening regulations on study permits and work permits for spouses of skilled workers. The Canadian government is implementing these measures in response to the sharp increase in the country's temporary resident population.

As the influx of international students and skilled workers continues to grow, authorities are taking steps to ensure the sustainability of the immigration system and align it more closely with Canada's economic and demographic needs. The impact of these new restrictions on international families planning to relocate to Canada is expected to be significant. Many spouses have traditionally relied on work permits to support themselves and their families while the primary applicant completes their studies or work program.

The changes will necessitate careful planning and a thorough understanding of the new eligibility criteria for those considering studying or working in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has framed these changes as part of a broader strategy to address the challenges posed by the increasing number of temporary residents. The agency maintains that the new rules will contribute to maintaining fairness and efficiency in the immigration system while addressing concerns about program integrity. In addition to the changes affecting student spouses, the IRCC has introduced measures to limit work permit eligibility for spouses of highly skilled, specialized workers.

This includes spouses of C-suite executives, scientists, engineers, lawyers, professors, technicians, and workers in sectors experiencing critical labour shortages. These combined efforts are projected to result in 100,000 fewer SOWPs being issued over the next three years. The modifications to the SOWP program are also anticipated to have broader economic implications for Canada.