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IRCC has updated the eligibility requirements for SOWP!
On March 19, 2024, IRCC updated the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility requirements.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced on January 22 a series of measures to stabilize the influx of international students over the next two years. Among the measures announced was that the spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programs will no longer be eligible for SOWPs.
As of March 19, all the eligibility requirements have been updated and announced. Read on:
What are the updated eligibility requirements for SOWP?
Starting March 19, 2024, spouses or common-law partners of international students can apply for an open work permit under three new conditions:
If your spouse or common-law partner intends to apply for an open work permit on or after March 19, 2024
Under this condition, your spouse or common-law partner may qualify if you hold a valid study permit and are enrolled in either:
– A master’s or doctoral degree program at a university or polytechnic institution.
– One of the specified professional degree programs at a university:
- 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)
Applicants for a SOWP must provide documents proving their relationship to the student and one document verifying their partner’s enrollment in a degree program. IRCC accepts:
– a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
– proof of enrollment letter from their spouse or partner’s DLI
– transcripts from their spouse or partner’s current program.
If your spouse or common-law partner applied for an open work permit before March 19, 2024:
They may be eligible for an open work permit if you fulfill the following three conditions:
- You hold a valid study permit.
- You are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
- You are a full-time student at one of the following types of institutions:
- A public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
- A private college-level school in Quebec
- A Canadian private school authorized to grant degrees under provincial law (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree).
If your spouse or common-law partner is seeking to extend their existing open work permit under this stream:
They may be eligible to extend their open work permit if you meet the following three requirements:
- You hold a valid study permit.
- You are eligible for a PGWP.
- You are a full-time student at one of the following types of institutions:
- A public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or a CEGEP in Quebec
- A private college-level school in Quebec
- A Canadian private school authorized to grant degrees under provincial law (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree).
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What is a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
A Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is a type of work permit issued by immigration authorities that allows the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign national who holds a valid study or work permit in Canada to work in Canada. The SOWP enables the spouse or partner to seek employment in any occupation without needing a job offer from a specific employer. This permit aims to support the integration of families and contribute to Canada’s economy by allowing spouses or partners to participate in the workforce while their significant other pursues their studies or employment in Canada.
How long the open work permit will be valid
Most of the time, your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit will be valid for the same period of time as your study permit.
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