On December 2, 2022 - Canada announced that it is extending work permits to the family members of temporary foreign workers, Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser and Minister of Tourism Randy Boissonnault. Employers can find the workers they need by extending eligibility for work permits to family members who accompany the principal applicant to Canada.
Work permits previously could only be obtained for spouses working in high-skilled occupations. This temporary measure aims to improve worker well-being, physical health and financial stability. Therefore, the worker will be better integrated into their work environment and community.
As of January 2023, Canada will extend work eligibility to spouses and working-age children through a phased approach for all skill levels, in a temporary two-year measure. Family members of health care, trades, and hospitality workers are included. As a result of this new approach, it is estimated 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 labour needs.
