New restrictions starting January 21, 2025:
Spouses eligible for open work permits only if the principal applicant is:
Employed in TEER 0 or 1 (managerial/professional roles).
In select TEER 2 or 3 occupations experiencing labor shortages.
Valid work permit must have at least 16 months of remaining validity.
Exemptions include:
Spouses of workers under Free Trade Agreements (FTA) (e.g., CETA, CPTPP).
Spouses of permanent residency (PR) applicants eligible for Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs).
Work permits for dependent children of foreign workers are no longer available (pilot program ended in 2023).