Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members of Temporary Residents

IRCC implemented new eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers. These changes aim to enhance the integrity and quality of Canada’s temporary resident programs while aligning with the country’s economic and labor market needs.

Key Changes:

1. Spouses of International Students:
   • Eligibility for OWPs is now limited to spouses of students enrolled in:
     • Master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer.
     • Doctoral programs.
     • Select professional and other eligible programs.
2. Spouses of Foreign Workers:
   • OWP eligibility is restricted to spouses of workers employed in:
     • TEER 0 or 1 occupations.
     • Certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors experiencing labor shortages or those linked to government priorities, including natural and applied sciences, construction, healthcare, natural resources, education, sports, and military sectors.
   • Additionally, the principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the spouse’s OWP application.
3. Dependent Children:
   • Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for OWPs under these revised criteria.

These adjustments reflect IRCC’s commitment to ensuring that immigration policies support Canada’s evolving economic landscape.

Progress in Reducing Immigration Application Backlogs

IRCC has reported steady progress in addressing the backlog of immigration applications. As of February 28, 2025, the total number of applications in the backlog was 821,200, marking a 7.95% reduction from the previous month’s 892,100. This achievement represents the third consecutive month with the backlog remaining below one million, indicating consistent improvements in application processing.

Breakdown of the Backlog:

• Permanent Resident Applications:
  • Total inventory: 842,600 applications.
  • Processed within service standards: 478,600 (57%).
  • Backlog: 364,000 applications.
  • Notably, 25% of Express Entry applications and 36% of Provincial Nominee Program applications were in the backlog as of February 28.
• Temporary Resident Applications:
  • Total inventory: 947,200 applications.
  • Processed within service standards: 532,700 (56%).
  • Backlog: 414,500 applications.
  • Visitor visas had the highest backlog percentage at 65%, while work permits saw a decrease to 34%, the lowest since July 2023.
• Citizenship Grants:
  • Total inventory: 239,600 applications.
  • Processed within service standards: 196,900 (82%).
  • Backlog: 18% of applications.

Strategies for Backlog Reduction:

IRCC has implemented several measures to address application backlogs, including:

• Technological Enhancements: Utilizing advanced analytics and automation to improve processing times and assist with routine decisions.
• Application Caps: Implementing caps on certain immigration programs to better manage application inventories.
• Adjusted Immigration Targets: Setting lower immigration targets in the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-27 to facilitate more efficient application processing.

These efforts underscore IRCC’s dedication to improving the efficiency and responsiveness of Canada’s immigration system.

Funding Adjustments for Immigrant Support Services in North Island

The Immigrant Welcome Centre, serving communities in Courtenay, Campbell River, and Port McNeill, has experienced significant federal funding cuts from specific IRCC. This reduction has led to staff layoffs and the scaling back of certain programs, notably upper-level Language Instruction classes for Newcomers to Canada (LINC).

Impact of Funding Cuts:

• Staff Reductions: Six staff members have been laid off, affecting various levels within the organization, including managerial positions.
• Program Adjustments: The closure of the third-floor LINC premises in Campbell River has necessitated relocating classes to the Robron Centre. Additionally, higher-level LINC classes (levels five to eight) are no longer offered, impacting newcomers who require advanced language skills for workplace integration and understanding employment standards.

These funding changes pose challenges for newcomers seeking essential support services in the North Island region. The Immigrant Welcome Centre continues to adapt to these constraints to serve its community effectively.

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