Canada will extend the availability of work permits to spouses, common-law partners, and working-age children of temporary workers in all skill levels beginning in January 2023

The North American nation will extend its work permit eligibility to the family members of Open Work Permit (OWP) holders starting next year in an important step that will assist thousands of Indian professionals and other foreigners in Canada. The move is being made in response to a severe labour shortage.

Canada is expanding work permits for family members! Starting in 2023, spouses and children of a principal applicant will be eligible to work in Canada. https://t.co/einP1Op4RC

— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) December 3, 2022

Foreign nationals are permitted to work in Canada for any employer and for any job under the OWP.

Family members of temporary foreign workers will now be able to apply for work permits, as per Sean Fraser, minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, who made the announcement on Friday.

Before the release of this information, a spouse could only get a work visa if the primary applicant was employed in a high-skill job.

By preserving families, the new policy seeks to enhance the mental health, physical fitness, and financial security of workers. It is anticipated that as a consequence, the employee would fit in with their community and workplace better.

The government will gradually open up employment eligibility to spouses and children who are of working age beginning in January 2023 through a temporary two-year measure, according to the statement. This will apply to employees of all skill levels.

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