Work permits for family members of temporary foreign workers forthcoming

IMPACT — HIGH

The Canadian government recently announced that family members, including spouses and working-age children, of certain temporary foreign workers will be able to apply for work permits in January.

Key Points:

• For a two-year period beginning in January 2023, working-age children and spouses of temporary foreign workers employed in a high-skill occupation — including jobs in healthcare, trades and hospitality — can apply for work permits.
• Previously, spouses were the only family member eligible for a work permit if the primary applicant worked in a high-skill occupation.
• This temporary measure will be implemented in three phases, beginning with the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program:
  • Phase 1: Family members of workers coming to 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.
  • Phase 2: Family members of workers from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will be able to apply for an open work permit.
  • Phase 3: Authorities will meet with agricultural partners and stakeholders to assess if it is feasible to expand the measure to family members of agricultural workers.

Additional Information: The Canadian government estimates that family members of more than 200,000 foreign workers could begin working in Canada, offering a greater opportunity for both foreign workers seeking to work in Canada and for employers addressing their labor needs.

BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities announced the expansion of work permit eligibility to family members of temporary foreign workers to address labor shortages across the country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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