It is excellent to know that Canada provides Spouse Open Work Permits (SOWP)s to foreign nationals eagerly awaiting a favourable decision regarding their common-law sponsorship or inland spousal application.
SOWP provides the applicants of inland sponsorship the provision for work while their immigration application is processed. Continue reading to know about the advantages of getting a Canadian SOWP.
Main Benefits Of Getting Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada
Stay and work in Canada
The SOWP in Canada allows spousal sponsorship applicants to stay in their dream destination, Canada, when awaiting a crucial decision on their Canadian immigration application. Usually, it can take up to twelve months for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process the application for a SOWP. During this period, foreign nationals can work in Canada with their permit.
Skip LMIA and work anywhere in Canada
Holding open work permits, foreign nationals can work only in one particular occupation or for only one employer. On the other hand, open work permits like SOWP allows permit holders to indulge in any job and are not restricted to only one employer in Canada. Adding to that, it is not a must for employers who hire workers with SOWP to obtain the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Live together with your partner
The open work permit is a boon for many because the spousal sponsorship applicants will have to finish the process outside Canada due to not having a SOWP or any other temporary Canadian residential status. With SOWP, couples find living together more convenient when their sponsorship application is pending.
Other Benefits
When you bring your partner through this permit to Canada, you are entitled to the benefits mentioned below:
- IELTS score is not a mandatory requirement to obtain a SOWP.
- Provision for full-time work: Your spouse will be permitted full-time employment.
- Reside with your spouse till you get your valid permit: Your spouse can reside with you provided you have a valid Canadian work or study permit.
- Extent the Canadian work permit: Your spouse can extend the visa by considering the validity of your Canadian study permit.
Eligibility for SOWP
The inland sponsorship is mainly for common-law partners and spouses in Canada who are currently living together. The foreign partner is expected to hold a temporary Canadian visa status being a visitor, student or worker.
The candidates for sponsorship must meet the requirements as mentioned below for getting a SOWP in Canada:
- They must apply for permanent residence (PR) under Spouse Common-law Partner Class.
- They must have a common-law partner or spouse who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident who has already applied for sponsorship on their behalf.
- They must hold a legal Canadian temporary resident status with the authorization to work.
Foreign spouses can proceed with the application for an open work permit any time after they have applied for a PR via a spousal sponsorship program or at the same time. The applicants can apply for their SOWP online if they have already received approval on their PR application.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to process a SOWP?
A: Usually, it will take almost one to four months to process.
Q: Are there chances of getting rejected?
A: One of the significant reasons why a SOWP gets rejected is that some applicants are unable to produce the required evidence to prove their relationship with their spouse.
Q: What is the general success rate of the Canadian SOWP?
A: It is highly recommended that people aiming for Canada get a SOWP due to the high success rate, which is close to 100%.
Q: What are the significant changes for 2023 spousal immigration in Canada?
- Quicker processing time,
- Much simplified relationship questionnaire,
- The upfront medical examination is no longer required,
- A single application procedure for all the candidates residing inside or outside Canada,
- Access to real-time information regarding your online application for a SOWP.
Feel free to contact us for your queries, our team will be happy to help you.
