Canada will expand its work permit eligibility to the family members of Open Work Permit (OWP) holders from next year to address acute labour shortages.
Starting in 2023, spouses and children of principal applicants of ALL skill levels will be eligible to work in Canada.
Currently, spouses are only eligible for a work permit if the principal applicant is working in a high-skill occupation. OWP allows foreign nationals to work for any employer or job in Canada legally.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser announced his department is extending work permits to family members of temporary foreign workers.
“Expanding the eligibility for work permits to family members accompanying the principal applicant to Canada will help address labour shortages by assisting employers in finding the workers they need, “Fraser said.
The new measure will help employers find the workers they need to fill their labour gaps by expanding work permits to family members at all skill levels, resulting in family members of over 200,000 foreign workers being able to work in Canada. This would include families of workers in health care, trades and hospitality, for example. As a result of this new approach, it is estimated that family members of more than 200,000 foreign workers could begin working in Canada, offering a greater opportunity for both foreign workers seeking to work in Canada and for employers addressing their labour needs.
Source: canada.ca