Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant updates to the eligibility criteria for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs), which took effect on March 19, 2024. These changes notably impact the spouses and common-law partners of international students studying in Canada.
Under the new rules, only spouses or partners of international students enrolled in graduate-level programs (master’s or doctoral degrees) at a Canadian university or polytechnic are now eligible to apply for a SOWP. This is a marked departure from previous policy, which allowed SOWPs for partners of undergraduate and college-level international students.
However, IRCC has made exceptions for spouses of students pursuing specific undergraduate professional degrees. Eligible programs include dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, education, and engineering. These programs must be offered by a recognized university in Canada.
To qualify for a SOWP, applicants must provide documentation proving their spousal relationship and the partner’s current academic enrollment. Acceptable documents include a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), an enrollment verification letter, or current academic transcripts.
Those who submitted their SOWP application before March 19, 2024, will be assessed under the previous criteria. They remain eligible if their partner holds a valid study permit, qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and is enrolled full-time at an accredited institution—such as a public college, university, a Quebec CEGEP, or a private institution authorized to grant degrees.
Existing SOWP holders who are applying to extend their permits will also be assessed based on the previous rules. IRCC confirms that the updated policy does not retroactively affect ongoing or in-process applications submitted before the policy shift.
For those no longer eligible for a SOWP, alternative pathways include applying for other types of work permits or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). However, individuals entering Canada on a visitor visa are not legally allowed to work during their stay.
Spousal Open Work Permits have been a vital tool for promoting family unity, allowing spouses of international students to contribute to Canada’s workforce. The new restrictions are part of broader reforms to the international student program, aimed at aligning study-related immigration programs with broader policy objectives, including housing, labor market integration, and system integrity.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on further developments related to Canada’s immigration and work programs.