Family open work permits narrow to specified students and workers

From 21 January 2025, student-family open work permits generally cover spouses of students in doctoral programmes, master’s programmes lasting at least 16 months, and listed professional or eligible programmes. For many foreign workers, spouse eligibility is limited to TEER 0 or 1 and selected TEER 2 or 3 occupations, with at least 16 months left on the principal work authorisation. Current exceptions include some trade-agreement, permanent-residence-pathway and targeted provincial cases; dependent children no longer qualify under the general high-skilled worker measure.