Canada has introduced a new policy, extending work permit eligibility to dependent children of temporary foreign workers (TFWs). This initiative is designed to unite families, address labour shortages, and unlock the potential of young talent in the country.
Who Can Get a Work Permit?
The new policy says that some family members can get a work permit. This includes husbands, wives, partners, and kids of people with work permits. It also includes family members of people who want to become permanent residents in Canada.
Some People Are Not Included
Not everyone can get a work permit under this new policy. People with certain jobs, like farmworkers or low-wage jobs, can’t get work permits for their family members right now. This is because these jobs are a bit different and need special rules.
The new policy allows specific family members to obtain a work permit if they meet certain criteria. Eligible individuals include spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of work permit holders engaged in jobs falling within any Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category.
This also pertains to principal applicants (from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program) holding an open work permit (OWP), as well as family members of economic class permanent resident applicants who possess a work permit.
However, it’s important to note that family members of workers in TEER 4 or 5 jobs within the low-wage stream of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and the Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are currently not eligible under this policy.
Job Realities: Understanding TEER Categories
Understanding TEER categories (ranging from 0 to 5) is essential for both aspiring workers and employers. These categories define the education, skills, and responsibilities required for different occupations.
They present a clear path for aspiring individuals while aiding employers in their hiring decisions.
TEER 0: Leadership Roles
This category includes management roles demanding substantial education and work experience, such as advertising and financial managers.
TEER 1: Degree Professions
Occupations in this category typically require a university degree, like financial advisors and software engineers.
TEER 2: Diploma Careers
Positions usually demand a college diploma, apprenticeship training, or supervisory roles, like computer network technicians and medical laboratory technologists.
TEER 3: Short-Term Training Jobs
TEER 3 comprises roles usually mandating a college diploma or short-term training, such as bakers and dental assistants.
TEER 4: Entry-Level Positions
These are entry-level roles typically requiring a high school diploma or minimal training, like retail salespersons and home childcare providers.
TEER 5: Basic Tasks and Manual Labor
This category includes jobs relying on basic service tasks or manual labor, such as landscaping laborers and delivery drivers.
Promoting Family Unity
Historically, work permits were primarily granted to spouses and family members of high-skilled workers or international students.
Extending work permit eligibility to TFWs’ spouses, dependents, and common-law partners is a significant step toward enhancing financial stability and community integration. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of family life and work opportunities.
Anticipated Impact and Eligibility
This groundbreaking policy is projected to open work opportunities for over 200,000 foreign workers’ families. Eligibility criteria for dependent children are clear:
- Age Criteria: Below 22 years old.
- Marital Status: Unmarried, without a common-law partner.
- Dependency Clause: For children aged 22 or above, dependency is established if they’ve relied on parental financial support and are unable to support themselves due to a persistent physical or mental condition throughout the application process.
Conclusion
Canada‘s new work permit policy for families is a significant step towards inclusivity and support for temporary foreign workers and their loved ones.
By expanding eligibility, this policy strengthens family bonds, increases integration, and addresses labour shortages. It’s a positive change that will benefit over 200,000 families, providing stability and opportunities for all.
