Changes to Family Open Work Permit Eligibility| Changes to Spousal Sponsorship| NTNP Reopening Delayed Due to Federal Allocation Cuts| Pierre Poilievre’s Stance on Immigration and Potential Reforms in 2025

Changes to Family Open Work Permit Eligibility for International Students and Foreign Workers

The Government of Canada is enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of its temporary resident programs to support the country’s economic and labor market objectives. As part of this effort, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is revising the eligibility criteria for family open work permits (OWPs) effective January 21, 2025.

Under these changes, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will qualify for a family OWP. For international students, this includes those in master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, or select professional programs. For foreign workers, only those employed in specific high-demand occupations (TEER 0, 1, and certain 2 or 3 sectors) will be eligible, including jobs in healthcare, construction, education, and natural resources.

The new rules also eliminate eligibility for dependent children of foreign workers. Previous approvals will remain valid, but future renewals must meet the updated criteria.

Watch Our Latest Video: Will Spousal Sponsorship Change in 2025?

Curious about potential changes to spousal sponsorship in 2025? Our RCIC has prepared an insightful video to explain the upcoming updates and how they may affect you or your loved ones. Whether you’re planning to sponsor your spouse or stay informed about the latest immigration policies, this video provides valuable information to help you navigate the process.

In this video, we cover important details about the new eligibility criteria, the potential impact of these changes, and tips on how to stay prepared for 2025. With Canada's immigration landscape constantly evolving, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on these significant updates.

Don’t miss out! Watch the full video on our YouTube channel today and get all the answers you need. Watch now and ensure you're well-prepared for the upcoming changes in spousal sponsorship! 

NTNP Reopening Delayed Due to Federal Allocation Cuts

The government of the Northwest Territories has announced that it will not be reopening the Northwest Territory Nominee Program (NTNP) as scheduled on January 16, 2025. Originally, the NTNP planned to accept 100 applications for territorial nomination for Canadian permanent residence during the first intake period. However, due to a reduction in its allocation from the Canadian federal government, the program's reopening has been postponed.

The territory received notification on January 15 that its federal nomination allocation for 2025 had been cut from 300 to 150. As a result, the territorial government has decided to reassess its plans for the program.

This reduction is part of broader cuts to the federal Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations for 2025, with a target of 55,000 landings, a 50% decrease from 2024. The federal government has instead increased its Express Entry targets, focusing on in-Canada and priority economic categories.

Spousal Open Work Permit Changes - IRCC Tightens Eligibility

We are excited to share an insightful new video prepared by our RCIC on the recent changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility, as introduced by IRCC. These updates can significantly impact individuals applying for or currently holding a SOWP, so it’s essential to stay informed. 

In this video, our RCIC breaks down the key changes, explaining who is now eligible for the permit and how it affects applicants. Whether you are a current applicant, spouse of a foreign worker or international student, or just curious about the new policies, this video will provide you with the latest information you need to navigate these changes successfully. 

We highly encourage you to watch the video to stay ahead and ensure you’re making informed decisions regarding your application process. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource!

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Pierre Poilievre’s Stance on Immigration and Potential Reforms in 2025

Pierre Poilievre, a leading contender for Canada’s next prime minister, has voiced significant criticism of the current government’s immigration policies. Should he win the 2025 election, Poilievre has suggested major reforms to Canada’s immigration system. His proposals include emphasizing economic immigration to address labor shortages and improving the integration of foreign-trained professionals into the Canadian workforce. Poilievre has also criticized the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), calling for stricter controls to prevent abuse by employers and ensuring Canadian workers are prioritized.

In terms of immigration targets, Poilievre has advocated for linking immigration levels to Canada’s housing supply and economic needs. He has also expressed concerns about irregular border crossings and the need for increased border security. Additionally, Poilievre emphasizes the importance of cultural integration, urging newcomers to embrace Canadian values while leaving behind conflicts from their home countries.