New Rules for Work Permit in Canada 2023

New Rules for Work Permit in Canada 2023

In an effort to address the pressing labor shortages across the country, the government of Canada has announced new rules for work permits in Canada in 2023. Starting in January of that year, spouses, common-law partners, and working age dependents of temporary workers of all skill levels will be eligible to apply for a work permit in Canada. This two-year measure is expected to grant work eligibility to family members of over 200,000 foreign workers, allowing them to work in Canada and contribute to the country’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

Current Eligibility for Work Permit

Currently, only spouses of temporary foreign workers in high-skilled occupations are eligible for a work permit in Canada. This eligibility has now been extended to include common-law partners and dependents of all skill levels, providing more opportunities for family members to work while living in Canada.

The Three Phases of Implementation

In phase one, family members of foreign workers entering Canada through the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program will be able to apply for an open work permit in Canada. Open work permits allow foreign nationals to work independently or for any employer in Canada. In phase two, the benefit will be extended to the family members of workers from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including workers in the health care, trades, and hospitality industries. Finally, in phase three, the government will consult with agricultural partners and stakeholders to assess the operational feasibility of expanding the benefit to family members of agricultural workers.

Impact on Labor Shortages

Allowing additional family members of foreign workers to work while in Canada should make the country a more desirable destination for foreign nationals seeking to relocate with their families. It also provides employers with a wider pool of workers to address labor shortages in a range of industries, which is especially important in the context of Canada’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery. According to the government, the measure will grant 200,000 foreign workers’ family members the right to work in Canada.

Background and Looking Ahead

In the past two months, the government of Canada has taken steps to address labor shortages and talent attraction through immigration as a central part of Canada’s economic recovery. The government will likely continue to implement policies aimed at attracting foreign nationals to help employers with their staffing needs in the coming years. The recently-announced Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 is evidence of the government’s ongoing commitment to encourage immigration into Canada to fill critical labor market shortages.

Final words

The new rules for work permit in Canada 2023, which extend work permit eligibility to spouses, common-law partners, and working age dependents of temporary workers of all skill levels, will make Canada a more desirable destination for foreign nationals seeking to relocate with their families. The measure is expected to grant work eligibility to family members of over 200,000 foreign workers, allowing them to work in Canada and contribute to the country’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery. As the government implements all phases of the family work permit program, we will continue to monitor and report on relevant details.

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