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ARTICLE · 09 DECEMBER 2022

Canada Extends Work Authorization To Families Of Temporary Foreign Workers

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On December 2, 2022, the Canadian government announced a two-year expansion of work authorization to spouses and working-age children of temporary foreign workers at all skill levels.

CanadaEmployment and HR
María E. Ferré
María E. Ferré
John B. Corgan
John B. Corgan
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On December 2, 2022, the Canadian government announced a two-year expansion of work authorization to spouses and working-age children of temporary foreign workers at all skill levels. According to the announcement, the short-term measure is designed to address gaps in Canada's labor market amid the country's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the announcement, the only family members eligible for work authorization were spouses of temporary workers in high-skill occupations. The government's move is expected to extend work authorization to as many as 200,000 noncitizens beginning in January 2023.

Phased Rollout of Work Authorization

To ensure successful implementation, the government's work authorization plan will be rolled out in three phases.

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