Program delivery update: Public policy, competitiveness or economy [R205(c)(ii) – C41, C46, C47, C48, C49] – Canadian interest – International Mobility Program

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

February 3, 2025

Significant changes have been made in respect to work permit access for family members of temporary foreign workers, in order to recalibrate the International Mobility Program to better align with economic objectives, labour market conditions, and community capacity.

These changes include

Applications for family members of workers transitioning to permanent residence are not subject to these changes.

Existing Program Delivery Instructions (PDIs) found at

continue to apply to:

As of January 21, 2025, 5:00 A.M. UTC only spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers who meet the following criteria will be eligible for an open work permit under the administrative code C41.

The principal foreign national must:

Updated instructions

New instructions

Please note a second program delivery update will follow to update all related instructions in which guidance about family members of workers is included.

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