IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has updated more information about the changes to the eligibility requirements for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP).
The department made a number of modifications to Canada’s international student program on January 22, 2024. As well, the spouses of overseas students registered in undergraduate and graduate programs will no longer be capable for SOWPs, according to the IRCC.
Spouses and partners of global students are only qualified for a SOWP as of March 19 if their sponsor is registered in a master’s or doctorate program at a Canadian university or polytechnic institution.
Also, undergraduate students’ spouses or partners are exempt in certain cases. The following professional degree programs at universities also permit spouses of undergraduate students to apply for a SOWP:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
- Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
When applying for a SOWP, spouses and partners have to submit the following two documents: one proving their relationship to the student and the other proving their partner’s registration in a program of study leading to a degree. Furthermore, the IRCC allows:
- A Designated Learning Institution’s (DLI) valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
- Their spouse or partner’s DLI’s proof of enrolment letter
- Records from their spouse or partner’s current program
If You Already Applied For The SOWP
IRCC says that those who applied for a SOWP before March 19 are still qualified if their partner:
- Has a legal study permit.
- Is qualified for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
- Is a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
- a public post-secondary school, such as a college or academy, or CEGEP in Quebec
- a private college-level institute in Quebec
- a Canadian private school that can officially honour degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree)
These necessities are the same for present SOWP holders who apply to extend their current permit.
What If You’re Not Qualified For The SOWP?
If an international student’s spouse or partner is no longer qualified for a SOWP, then they can apply for a tourist visa (TRV) or another type of work permit. Alternatively, visitors are not permitted to work in Canada.
SOWP holders can work in Canada for almost any employer. Moreover, it serves to further the IRCC’s mission to boost family reunion.
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