Canada Announces New Changes to Work Permits Rule, Nigerian Families, Others Affected
- The rules governing open work permits for spouses of foreign employees and international students have been modified
- It means by January 21, 2025, only spouses of qualifying foreign students and workers will be able to apply for an OWP
- These include jobs in the scientific and applied sciences, construction, health care, education, sports, and the military
CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now!
Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market.
The Canadian government has changed the guidelines for open work permits (OWP) for spouse of foreign workers and international students.
Source: Getty Images
From January 21, 2025, Canada reported that only spouses of qualified foreign workers and students will be eligible to apply for an OWP. The requirements will be based on the duration of study programs and high-demand job sectors.
Many Nigerian students will now be able to bring their spouses to Canada to work while they study or work there, which is an advantage of these developments.
Spouses of international students enrolled in master's programs lasting 16 months or more, doctorate programs, or specific professional programs will be the only ones eligible for the new OWP.
Additionally, family OWPs will only be available to spouses of foreign workers working in TEER 1 occupations or certain TEER 2 or 3 jobs in fields with a labor shortage or associated with government goals.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these include jobs in the scientific and applied sciences, construction, health care, education, sports, and the military.
When their spouse files for the OWP, the foreign worker must still have at least 16 months left on their work permit.
Furthermore, dependent children will no longer be eligible for family OWPs due to the Canadian government's tougher qualifying requirements.
Family members of individuals who were previously authorized under the former regulations, however, are permitted to keep working as long as they file for renewals using the more recent standards.
Ineligible family members can apply for other visas
According to the IRCC, family members who are no longer qualified for a family OWP may apply for other kinds of work permits offered by Canada's work permit programs.
This action is a component of Canada's larger endeavor to support the nation's economy and labor market demands while fortifying its programs for temporary residents.
Legit.ng reported that Canada is encouraging individuals globally to consider caregiver roles as a career path.
A report from Visa Sponsorship Jobs said many caregiver positions in Canada offer visa sponsorships, making it easier for international candidates to apply.
The country’s demand for care workers shows its focus on improving the quality of life of needy individuals.
Canada Increases Immigration Fee
Legit.ng reported that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has raised the cost of a number of applications for temporary residency as of December 1, 2024.
Read also
Germany simplifies visa rules for Nigerians, others ready to relocate, get residency permit
The modifications, which vary from 2.80% to 4.69%, will impact anyone applying for a temporary resident visa, returning to Canada after being denied entry, or regaining their temporary resident status.
The changes complement the department's larger initiatives to expedite procedures, clear backlogs, and adapt to the changing demands of immigration services.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
