From 30 January, TFWs (temporary foreign workers) family members will be qualified for Canadian work permits. According to Sean Fraser, minister of immigration, work permits will be temporarily extended to family members of primary applicants through the TFWP – (temporary foreign worker program) and IMP – (international mobility program). This action will address Canada’s ongoing labor shortage. Learn about the eligibility for a new work permit here.
A revised policy now allows everyone to apply for a work permit if they meet the following requirements:
- They are the dependent children, spouses, or common-law partners of workers who:
- Works in a job that falls into any of the TEER categories (0 to 5), or
- In this instance, the applicant is the principal and he/she has an open work permit. For e.g., post-graduation work permit holders at all levels).
- They are dependent children or spouses of economic-class permanent residents.
Low-wage TEER 4 and 5 workers’ spouses, partners, or dependents cannot currently apply for the low-wage stream. Also, they cannot apply for the Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The Integration will be easier with the new work permit
Prior to the law taking effect today, work permits were granted only to the wives. And family members of the primary applicants in high-skilled occupations. By temporarily granting work licenses to TFW spouses, dependent children, and common-law partners, the government intends to relieve some of the pressure on workers by improving financial stability. As well as simplifying integration into their communities for families.
The number of work permits awarded in Canada from January to October 2022 exceeded 645,000. Almost four times more than the 163,000 issued in 2021 during the same period.
A two-year insurance policy covers children of principal applicants of all skill levels who are 16 years of age or older. Hospitality, trades, and healthcare employees’ families are covered. It is estimated that more than 200,000 foreign employees’ families will be able to work in Canada due to this program.
Employers across the nation continue to struggle to locate workers, as the minister noted in Edmonton last December. Companies will be able to overcome this shortage through the granting of extended work permits to family members of all skill levels. There will be more than 200,000 jobs available in Canada for the family members of international employees. In addition to supporting businesses in finding qualified workers, the government is also committed to promoting employee well-being and reuniting families.
The implementation of this measure will occur in three stages
Three stages will be followed in order to ensure the successful execution of the interim measure. It has not yet been determined when phases two and three will begin and end:
- Family members of temporary foreign workers or international mobility program participants coming to Canada under the high-wage stream will be able to apply for an open work permit under Phase 1.
- Following consultations, phase 2 will extend the measure to the families of low-wage workers.
- Phase 3 will involve discussions with stakeholders and partners in agriculture in order to evaluate the viability of the operations.
