student spouse visa change in 2024?
Ottawa, April 9, 2024 – Immigration policy observers are watching closely to see if the federal government will introduce changes to the rules around study permits that allow spouses of international students to work in Canada.
Under the current system, the husband or wife of an international student at a Canadian university or college can apply for an open work permit that lets them take virtually any job during their spouse’s studies. However, there have been rumblings that reforms may be coming in 2024.
The main concern seems to be around potential abuse of the program
where it may be being used as a backdoor for foreign workers rather than for legitimate students and families,” said Kareem El-Assal, executive director of applygcmsnotes.ca. “Whether real or perceived, the federal government is feeling pressure to tighten things up.”
Potential changes could include adding more eligibility criteria for the spousal work permits, such as minimum length of marriage, language testing requirements, or restricting the types of jobs and employers that qualify.
Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen has been tight-lipped on the specifics but admitted in comments to the Canadian Immigration Newsletter that “all options are on the table” when it comes to reforming the student spouse work permit stream.
Currently there are over 300,000 spouses of international students in Canada on open work permits as of the end of 2023.
For many families, having a working spouse is essential to being able to afford the high tuition and living costs.
Student advocacy groups have already sounded the alarm about potential changes, arguing it would create financial hardship and discourage international students from choosing Canadian schools.
“Having two incomes is absolutely crucial for most international students and families,” said Rebeca Erebon of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. “Adding more barriers would damage Canada’s reputation and access to global talent.”
With the recent extension of work permit eligibility to students from a wider range of countries
the stakes are high for Canada to strike the right balance and remain an attractive destination.
Immigration policy analysts expect any changes to the spousal work visa rules to potentially take effect in 2024, though the timeline and specific reforms remain uncertain at this stage. The decision will likely hinge on findings from consultations and investigations into the potential scope of abuse within the current system.