A recent federal policy means spouses of international students may find it harder to secure Open Work Permits (OWP).
The Government of Canada announced they’re changing the requirements for international students’ spouses who are looking to secure an OWP, a permit that allows foreigners to work in any job without restrictions. This change was announced on Jan. 14 and comes as part of broader measures announced in September by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
Effective Jan. 21, only the spouses of certain international students will be able to be approved for a family OWP. Specifically, they’ll be reserved for international students who are enrolled in a master’s program that is 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or a list of other professional degree programs including a Bachelor in Nursing, Engineering, Education, and more.
“The Government of Canada is continuing to strengthen the integrity and quality of our temporary resident programs while ing the country’s economic goals and labour market needs,” the Jan. 14 notice says.
Prior to this change, there was no minimum program length for students looking to secure an OWP for their spouses as long as they were enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree.
The change also limits family OWPs to spouses of foreign workers who are either in a training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) zero or one occupation, meaning a job in management or one requiring a university degree. There will be select availability to those in TEER two or three jobs, those being jobs requiring a college diploma or an apprenticeship, unless the labour market demonstrates a need. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for an OWP.
International Students’ Affairs Commissioner for the SGPS and PhD candidate in education, Sumaiya Chowdhury, spoke with The Journal about the proposed changes.
“I was talking with one international student a few days ago and he was saying it seems like we’re getting new rules each month and we’re trying to adjust with these new rules. It has a great impact in our academic life,” Chowdhury said.
Acknowledging these changes will impact students in programs under 16 months, Chowdhury emphasized Queen’s still offers such programs, and their needs should be considered.
“It’s not about the majority or minority, it’s all about the students. So, if [even] one student gets impacted because of these rules, they should look after that student,” Chowdhury said.
Multiple programs across Queen’s, particularly in the Smith School of Business such as the full-time MBA program, Master of International Business, and Master of Financial Innovation & Technology are 12-month courses.
In a statement to The Journal, the University said most international students with spouses fall under the scope highlighted by the government.
“Most international students who bring their spouses tend to be in graduate-level programs,” the University said. “The spouses of these students would be eligible to apply for an open work permit under these new rules.”
To international students, the University added they offer drop-in and appointment immigration advising, immigration workshops, and immigration consultant.
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