Canada is making changes to the rules for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program. Over the next three years, fewer people will be able to get these permits.
Now, only people married to students in some special doctoral and master’s programs can get these permits.
These changes are part of bigger plans by Canada to manage the many temporary residents. In 2023, over 2 million people were staying temporarily in Canada.
Many families from other countries rely on the SOWP to help with money. So, this change will affect them a lot.
By cutting over 100,000 permits, Canada’s rule on who can stay temporarily is changing a lot. The government wants to make sure the number of new residents fits with what Canada needs for jobs and growth.
Understanding the Spousal Work Permit
A Spousal Open Work Permit allows a husband or wife of a student or skilled worker in Canada to work for any company. They don’t need to have a job offer first. This permit has helped many families from other countries by letting them earn money while in Canada. But with the new rules, fewer people will be able to get this permit.
What Are the New Rules?
The new rules say only husbands or wives of certain doctoral and master’s students can get these work permits. The study programs must be at least 16 months long.
This means many husbands or wives of international students won’t be able to get work permits, so families may struggle with money in Canada.
Effects of the New Rules
Besides changes to the SOWP, Canada is also making rules stricter for study and work permits for skilled workers’ spouses. This will change what international families and students can do when they want to stay in Canada.
The government wants immigration to match what is important for Canada.
Canada’s Plan with Temporary Residents
There are reports that more international people are coming to Canada quickly, like students and skilled workers. Because of this, Canada wants to control how many people come, so it’s not too much at once. This new approach aims to match permits with what Canada needs for its economy and people numbers.
How These Changes Affect Families from Other Countries
The new rules for SOWPs are likely to change the plans for international families moving to Canada. Many spouses rely on these work permits to earn income while their partners study or work in Canada.
Because of the new rules, families might need to think differently and maybe find other ways to earn money.
Here are the main changes:
1. Canada will cut over 100,000 Spousal Open Work Permits in the next three years.
2. Only spouses of students in certain doctoral and master’s programs that last at least 16 months can apply.
3. There will be new rules on study and work permits for spouses of skilled workers.
4. International students and workers should know how these changes might affect their plans for moving to Canada.
These changes in the Spousal Open Work Permit program show Canada’s bigger immigration plan. Canada wants to make sure it can keep up with job needs and housing for its people, ensuring a strong and balanced future.