Update on Spousal Open Work Permit

Following up on our previous article, today we would like to provide an update on the important changes to the International Student Programs. 

On March 19, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new rules regarding Open Work Permits for spouses and common-law partners of international students (Spousal Open Work Permit “SOWP”). 

Eligibility for SOWP

Effective March 19, 2024, the SOWP application requirements have changed as follows:

Applying for SOWP on or after March 19, 2024:

The SOWP is available only to spouses and common-law partners of international students studying in one of the following:

1. a master’s or doctoral degree program in a university or polytechnic institution or
2. one of the following 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)

Applied for SOWP before March 19, 2024:

Spouses and common-law partners of international students who meet the following 3 requirements may be eligible for a SOWP.

1. You have a valid study permit.
2. You are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
3. You are a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
   • 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 that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree)

Applying to extend an existing SOWP:

Spouses and common-law partners of international students who meet the following 3 requirements are eligible to extend their existing SOWP.

1. You have a valid study permit.
2. You are eligible for a PGWP
3. You are a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
   • 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 that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree)

For more information on this update, please check the government website below.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/help-your-spouse-common-law-partner-work-canada.html

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Many of you may be concerned about the prospects for the International Student Program after the major changes announced by the IRCC on January 22, 2024.

If you are planning to travel to Canada with your spouse or common-law partner for study or further education and need advice and assistance in applying for a Study Permit or SOWP, please feel free to contact us using  this form.

“You are one step closer to Canada!”