IRCC denies reports that Canada’s open work permit programs will end in 2026
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابCanada’s immigration department says claims circulating online that open work permits will be shut down in 2026 are false, urging applicants and newcomers to rely on official government updates rather than unverified websites and social media posts.
CityNews reported that the rumours spread rapidly despite the absence of any formal IRCC announcement. In a statement to OMNI News, the department reiterated that open work permits are not being “ended” in 2026 and pointed the public to its official information pages for the latest program details.
The clarification comes amid real, earlier policy tightening on family open work permits. In January 2025, IRCC announced that eligibility for spousal open work permits would be limited to spouses of certain international students (including specific master’s, doctoral and select professional programs) and certain foreign workers, with additional conditions, while dependent children would no longer qualify for new family OWPs under that measure.
Separately, IRCC’s public policy for certain 2021 TR-to-PR pathway applicants allows eligible applicants and some family members to apply for an open work permit until December 31, 2026, a timeline that officials say should be verified through government sources to avoid confusion.
