Canada: Update On Work Permit Eligibility for Family Members of Temporary Workers

As a follow-up to the previously-announced extension of work permit eligibility to spouses, common-law partners and working age dependents of temporary workers, the government has announced that the initial phase will begin on January 30, 2023. Starting January 30, 2023, foreign nationals may be eligible for an open work permit (which allows foreign nationals to work independently or for any employer in Canada) if they are a) a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a work permit holder who works in a job of any Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category (0 to 5) or is the principal applicant and has an open work permit (e.g., post-graduate work permit holders at all skill levels); or b) a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a permanent resident applicant under one of the economic classes (Federal Skilled Workers, Canadian Experience Class, provincial nominees, etc.) who holds a work permit. Spouses and dependents of workers in TEER 4 or 5 jobs under the low-wage agricultural streams are not yet eligible to apply. Interested candidates should contact their immigration professional for case-specific advice.