The Canadian government has recently updated the requirements for obtaining a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), potentially making it more challenging.
One notable change affects the eligibility criteria for SOWPs. Previously, SOWPs were available to spouses of foreign students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
However, effective March 19, partners and spouses of international students are only eligible for a SOWP if their sponsor is enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program at an accredited university or polytechnic institution in Canada.
These changes follow Canada’s announcement of a 35 percent reduction in student visa issuance and reflect the country’s ongoing anti-immigration policies.
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Notably, spouses of undergraduate students in specific professional degree programs at a university are exempt from these changes. These programs include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
- Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
It’s important to note that individuals who applied for a SOWP before March 19 remain eligible if their partner meets specific conditions, including having a valid study permit, being eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), and being a full-time student at certain types of schools.
Furthermore, these requirements apply to current SOWP holders seeking to extend their existing permits.
