Effective January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised eligibility criteria for open work permits issued to spouses of international students. The new regulations limit work permit eligibility to spouses of students enrolled in doctorate programs, specific eligible programs, professional programs, and master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer. Existing permit holders can renew their permits under previous criteria if aligned with their spouse’s current study program duration. The update also expands eligible study programs and removes the ORG ID requirement for the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.
