Impact of Open Work Permit Changes on Women in Canada
Nearly one in four people in Canada—around 8.3 million—are immigrants. But despite this multicultural makeup, not all newcomers experience the same opportunities. Women, in particular, face greater challenges when arriving in Canada, especially when classified as spouses or dependents.
The Reality for Temporary Residents
As of early 2025, approximately 3.1 million individuals in Canada held temporary immigration statuses. These include international students and temporary foreign workers. Unfortunately, data on these groups—especially dependents—is limited. Many are left economically vulnerable and find it difficult to fully integrate into Canadian society.
What Is an Open Work Permit (OWP)?
In December 2022, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded eligibility for Open Work Permits (OWPs). These permits allow spouses and dependents of international students and foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada, helping to address labour shortages.
However, OWPs differ from closed work permits, which restrict employment to a single employer. In September 2024, the IRCC scaled back OWP eligibility, limiting it to spouses of certain Master’s and doctoral students and select foreign workers. This decision excluded many dependents, particularly children and spouses of lower-tier visa holders.
How OWP Restrictions Disproportionately Affect Women
The rollback of OWP eligibility has had a significant impact on women. Many women arrive in Canada as dependents and, without access to work rights, they are left unemployed or underemployed. This lack of opportunity hinders not only their career development but also their eligibility for permanent residency.
Women without OWPs may be forced to enter Canada on visitor visas, which offer no work rights. This can trap them in cycles of economic dependence, especially if the primary visa holder is unable to work or loses employment.
The Hidden Power Imbalances in the Immigration System
For many migrant women, immigration policies create a reliance on their partners for information, documentation, and decision-making. This imbalance can lead to misinformation and exclusion from key opportunities. In more serious cases, it may prevent women from seeking help in abusive relationships for fear of affecting their immigration status.
The pressure of financial instability, job scarcity, and obligations to send money home can further strain family relationships. Without access to stable employment, women also risk missing out on essential health care and social services—making them more susceptible to exploitation.
Why Gender-Inclusive Immigration Policy Matters
To create a fairer system, Canada must embed gender-based analysis plus into all immigration pathways. This means understanding how policies impact women differently and developing systems that reduce gender-specific barriers.
Key recommendations include:
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Restoring Open Work Permits for all spouses of international students and foreign workers
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Providing clear, multilingual information on immigration rights and policy changes
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Establishing outreach and support programs for dependents, especially women at risk
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Creating safer, independent migration options for vulnerable individuals
Building a More Equitable Future for Migrant Women
Reinstating work rights for spouses and dependents would not only empower thousands of migrant women but also reflect Canada’s commitment to equality, opportunity, and inclusion. As Canada continues to rely on migration to fuel its economy, policies must support—not sideline—the people who come to build a better life.
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