In a recent development, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced revisions to the eligibility requirements for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP).
Effective January 22, 2024, IRCC implemented changes to Canada’s international student program, affecting the eligibility of spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programs for SOWPs.
As of March 19, only partners and spouses of international students enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Canadian universities or polytechnic institutions are eligible for SOWPs.
Exceptions are made for spouses or partners of undergraduate students in select professional degree programs, including Doctor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor, Doctor of Medicine, and others.
Applicants for SOWPs must provide documentation proving their relationship to the student and evidence of the student’s enrollment in a degree-granting program.
IRCC accepts various documents, such as a valid Letter of Acceptance or proof of enrollment letter from the student’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and transcripts.
Individuals who applied for a SOWP before March 19 remain eligible if their partner holds a valid study permit, is eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), or is enrolled full-time at specific types of institutions.
Those who no longer qualify for a SOWP can explore other work permit options or apply for a visitor visa (TRV). However, TRV holders are not permitted to work in Canada.
The revision aims to address volume and integrity challenges, according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who emphasized limiting SOWPs to partners and spouses of master’s and PhD students to combat potential exploitation and ensure legitimacy.