Open Work Permit holders’ spouses can gain eligibility for the Open Work Permits. This is because IRCC will be expanding its eligibility for Open Work Permits, and this announcement came on December 2, 2022, by Sean Fraser.
Open Work Permits
Foreign nationals who hold Canadian citizenship and permanent residency can acquire work permits to work in Canada. Usually, individuals receive work permits to work under a specific employer in a particular job. Conversely, Open Work Permits enable foreign nationals to legally work in Canada without any restrictions related to the employer or job. They can work under an employer of their choice at any location within the country.
Open Work Permit holders’ eligibility
The spouses who will now be able to access the eligibility under the Open Work Permit are a massive step toward attracting more immigrants to work and settle in Canada. Additionally, international students and those with Canadian citizenship and permanent residence can already gain sponsorship for their spouse under the Open Work Permit. Hence, this eligibility for spouses of OWP holders reflects Canada’s willingness to welcome more newcomers.
Currently, this policy change will result in IRCC welcoming more than 100,000 new work permit applications that belong to spouses of OWP holders.
At the beginning of 2023, the program will be implemented in three phases:
- High-wage stream– This stream applies to spouses of those individuals earning higher wages or paid salaries who are Open Work Permit holders. For instance, spouses of Post-Graduation Work Permit holders.
- Provinces and Territories stream– Spouses of workers earning lower wages. For instance, those holding Open Work Permits under the International Experience Canada program, with the recent increase in program size.
- Agricultural workers’ families– Seasonal agricultural workers and their families fall under this stream. Canada is mending its economic situation, and this stream is a crucial part of the key employment strategy.
Even though IRCC wants to execute these changes for economic recovery, the dates for making these changes remain undecided.
Canada needs to invite more newcomers
Canada acknowledged its need for immigration long back. The country understands well that Canadian immigration will maintain the country’s welfare socially, financially, and demographically. However, the sudden break out of COVID-19 led to an urgency if we talk about immigration.
Presently, job vacancies breaking all records, low unemployment rates, and a rising number of retirees in the country have led to a strong emphasis on immigration. The economic health of Canada is highly dependent on immigration since the pandemic phase in 2020 and 2021.
Sean Fraser recently stated an observation during his announcement on December 2. He discussed that ten years ago, at least 7 Canadian workers were in the workforce when one retiree left the team. Currently, only three workers are available when a retiree moves out of the workforce.
Additionally, this number will more likely reduce to only two retirees, particularly in the following ten to fifteen years. Moreover, if these numbers remain stagnant, Canada will no longer be able to maintain its healthcare and education sectors. As a result, society’s economic growth and health will be affected.
The above policy changes will act as catalysts ensuring Canadian society’s good health and welfare. Overall, Canada seeks to welcome over 1.45 million newcomers toward the latter part of 2025. The latest Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 has set its increased immigration targets this year.
