New Rules for Spousal Work Permits in Canada: A Quick Guide

Big news for international students in Canada and their families: There are new rules for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP). Let's dive into the essentials.

The Update: Starting January 22, 2024, Canada has changed who can apply for SOWPs. Now, only spouses of students in master’s or doctoral programs can get these work permits. This is a significant shift from before when spouses of students in any program could apply.

Exceptions: There's still hope for some undergrads. If you're in professional degrees like Dental Surgery, Law, Medicine, etc., your spouse might be eligible.

How to Apply: You must prove your relationship and that your partner is in a qualifying program with documents like a Letter of Acceptance or proof of enrolment.

Already Applied? If you submitted your application before March 19, 2024, the old rules still apply.

Don't Qualify? You might be able to get a different type of work permit or a visitor visa but remember; you can't work on a visitor visa.

Why Change? The government wants to ensure the system's integrity and effectively manage applications.

Stay informed and prepared with your documents if you're navigating this process. Good luck!