The Canadian government has expanded work permit eligibility for family members of foreign nationals working in high-skilled occupations (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). These changes apply to applications received on or before January 21, 2025, at 04:59:59 A.M. UTC and renewals received on or after January 21, 2025, at 05:00:00 A.M. UTC.
📜 Who Is Eligible?
To qualify under subparagraph R205(c)(ii) – C41 and C46, the principal foreign national must: ✅ Be authorized to work in Canada with a valid employer-specific or open work permit. ✅ Be employed in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations. ✅ Have at least six months of authorized work remaining at the time of the family member’s work permit application. ✅ Physically reside in Canada during employment. ✅ Have a genuine relationship with the applicant (spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child).
📌 Eligible Family Members
The following individuals qualify for an open work permit under this expansion: 👨👩👧 Spouses and common-law partners of high-skilled workers. 🧒 Dependent children (biological or adopted) of high-skilled workers.
📌 List of Eligible Occupations by TEER Categories
TEER 0 (Management Occupations)
- Senior executives
- Engineering managers
- Health care administrators
- IT directors
TEER 1 (Professional Occupations)
- Software engineers
- Medical professionals
- Architects
- Accountants
TEER 2 Occupations
- Computer network technicians
- Engineering technologists
- Industrial electricians
TEER 3 Occupations
- Early childhood educators
- Heavy equipment operators
- Welders
- Paramedics
📌 Required Documents
Applicants must provide: 📄 Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, or common-law declaration). 📄 Evidence of the principal foreign national’s employment (job contract, employer letter, pay stubs confirming TEER category). 📄 Proof of work authorization (valid work permit or approval letter). 📄 Proof of employment duration (work permit validity of at least six months beyond the application date).
✈️ Application Process for Different Scenarios
🔹 Applying from Outside Canada: The work permit application will be processed after the principal worker’s permit is approved. 🔹 Applying at a Port of Entry: If all eligibility requirements are met, applicants may apply upon arrival in Canada. 🔹 Applying from Within Canada: Family members must hold valid temporary resident status or be eligible for status restoration.
🚫 Who Is Not Eligible?
Spouses and dependents of foreign nationals transitioning to permanent residence via certain streams (e.g., Atlantic Immigration Program, Provincial Nominee Programs) do not qualify under these rules. Other categories, such as student spouses or refugee claimants, fall under separate policies.
🛑 Reasons for Potential Refusals
Applications may be refused if: ❌ The principal worker has less than six months of authorized work remaining. ❌ The submitted documents fail to prove employment in the required TEER category. ❌ The relationship is deemed non-genuine or fraudulent. ❌ The applicant fails to meet temporary resident status requirements if applying from within Canada.
🔮 What This Means for Canada’s Workforce
This policy aims to strengthen Canada’s labor market by allowing skilled workers’ families to participate in the economy. However, stricter eligibility requirements ensure that only qualified applicants receive work authorization.
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