IRCC updates eligibility criteria for spousal open work permit. Check yours now!

Highlights: IRCC has introduced several changes to Canada’s international student program

• On March 19, 2024, IRCC introduced several changes to spousal open work permits.
• According to IRCC, spouses and partners of international students are eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP).
• Partners and spouses are eligible for SOWP only if their sponsor has enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in Canada.
• Applications received after March 19 are eligible if their partner has all the required documents. 

 

Willing to apply for a Canada spousal open work permit? Y-Axis will help you with the step-by-step process.

 

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

A spousal open work permit (SOWP) in Canada is a permit that is issued to the spouse or partner of a temporary Canadian permit holder. This allows the spouse or partner to work and stay in Canada. Individuals who have applied to be sponsored by their partner or those whose partners are in Canada on a study or work permit may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit.

 

Eligibility requirements for SOWP

On January 22, 2024, IRCC made a few changes to eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits. According to this, partners and spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programs will not be eligible for SOWP.

 

On March 19, 2024, IRCC added several more changes for Spousal Open Work Permits. According to these changes, partners and spouses of international students are eligible for SOWP if their sponsor is enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in Canada.

 

*Willing to Work in Canada? Y-Axis is here to help you.

 

List of professional degree programs that are eligible to apply for a SOWP

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

 

*Looking to study in Canada? Y-Axis will guide you in step by step process.

 

Documents required for SOWP

• Valid Letter of Acceptance(LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of enrolment letter from their partner’s DLI
• Transcripts from their partner’s current program

 

Applications received before March 19 are still eligible if their partner has the following documents.

• Valid study permit
• Full-time student in Canada
• Students in public post-secondary school, college or university 
• CEGEP in Quebec
• Private college-level school in Quebec
• Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree)

 

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Web Story:  IRCC updates eligibility criteria for spousal open work permit. Check yours now!