IRCC updates Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Open Work Permit

Highlights:

• On March 19, 2024, IRCC introduced major changes to Canada’s international student program.
• IRCC said spouses and partners of international students can apply for a spousal open work permit (SOWP).
• Partners and spouses are eligible for SOWP only if their sponsor is an international student of master’s or doctoral degree program in Canada.
• Spouses and partners who want to apply for SOWP should submit documents establishing their relationship with the student.

What is Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

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

Eligibility requirements for SOWP

On January 22, 2024, IRCC introduced some changes to eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits. According to this, partners and spouses of international students who are pursuing undergraduate and college programs can’t apply for SOWP.

Now on March 19, 2024, IRCC updated the changes to eligibility clause for Spousal Open Work Permits. According to these new changes, partners and spouses of international students are now eligible for SOWP provided their sponsor is a student of master’s or doctoral degree program in Canada.

However, there are some exceptions. Let’s see some 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)

Documents required for SOWP

Let’s check some of the documents that are required to apply:

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