When applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Extension , one of the biggest reasons for refusal today is missing or incomplete job proofs of the primary applicant (PGWP holder). Whether you have already submitted your SOWP extension application or you are planning to do so soon, understanding the required job documents is crucial.
In this detailed guide, we explain:
What job proofs are mandatory
When to submit supporting documents
What happens if you don’t submit them
The exact 5 job proofs you must provide
The correct format of a Job Reference Letter
New refusal trends seen by IRCC
Why combining PGWP + SOWP together is essential
Let’s dive in.
1. Do You Need Job Proofs for SOWP Extension?
YES.
For SOWP extension, job proofs of the primary applicant (PGWP applicant) are mandatory.
Many applicants believe they need a full-time job before they apply.
This is incorrect.
You can apply for SOWP extension:
Along with your PGWP application
After receiving PGWP approval
Even without having a job at the time of application
Even if both applicants are currently unemployed
However…
Before IRCC finalizes your SOWP application, you MUST submit job proofs for the primary applicant. Missing these proofs can lead to refusal — even if you’re working legally.
2. The 5 Most Important Job Proofs for SOWP Extension
Below are the five documents you must submit. Even if you’ve already applied, you can still send these documents through a webform.
1. Job Reference Letter (Most Important Document)
This is the strongest piece of evidence for your job and NOC code.
Your Job Reference Letter must include:
Company letterhead with logo, address, email, phone
Issued date
Your full name
Your job title
Employment period (start date → till date)
Job status (full-time / part-time / contractual)
Working hours per week
Detailed job responsibilities (must match your NOC 60–70%)
Salary per hour
Employer’s signature, name, designation, contact details
A weak job reference letter is one of the top reasons for SOWP refusals.
2. Salary Account Statement
Earlier IRCC didn’t focus on this document, but now many refusal letters state:
“I do not believe you are working in Canada as no salary account statement was provided.”
Even if your salary account has zero balance, it does not matter.
The statement must be provided to prove:
Job activity
Payroll deposits
Genuineness of employment
Do NOT skip this.
3. Salary Slips / Paystubs
Always submit:
At least 3 paystubs
Submit more if available
If job starts after application submission → send paystubs through webform as soon as you receive them
Submission timeline recommended by Globexa Immigration:
After 1st paystub → submit webform #1
After 3rd paystub → submit webform #2
This is the safest approach.
4. Job Eligibility Proof (New & Critical)
IRCC has recently started refusing applications for this missing component.
If your NOC requires:
A bachelor’s degree
A certificate
Apprenticeship
License
Internship hours
Then you MUST submit proof that you meet these requirements.
Example:
Working as pharmacy assistant, lab assistant, restaurant manager, early childhood educator, etc.
If you don’t prove eligibility → refusal.
5. Job Offer Letter (Optional but Good to Include)
If you have it, attach it.
If not, it’s fine because your Job Reference Letter covers your:
Start date
Position
Responsibilities
Salary
This is the least important among the five.
3. Full-Time vs Part-Time Job for SOWP Extension
Both are acceptable.
Full-time job = highly recommended
Part-time job = still fine and approved frequently
Nothing on IRCC website says part-time is not acceptable.
But some visa officers are subjective — so full-time gives higher approval chances and avoids unnecessary delays.
4. Salary Requirements Based on NOC
Your salary must match the NOC:
Job responsibilities must match 60–70%
Your salary must justify your NOC level
Example:
You cannot claim a Tier 0 Manager position with $15.50/hr.
This will result in immediate refusal.
Aim for:
Minimum wage listed for that NOC in your province
Ideally median wage ($23–$25/hr in most cases)
5. How Many Webforms Should You Submit?
If job starts after application submission:
Submit webform as soon as you get 1st paystub (with job reference letter)
Submit second webform after 3rd paystub (with updated reference letter)
Do NOT over-submit — two webforms are sufficient
6. Primary Applicant vs Secondary Applicant
For SOWP extension:
Primary applicant = PGWP holder
Secondary applicant = Spouse (SOWP applicant)
Job proofs are required ONLY for the primary applicant.
The spouse (SOWP applicant) does NOT need job proofs even if they are working.
7. Correct Format of Job Reference Letter (Explained Simply)
Your Job Reference Letter must include:
✔ Letterhead with company logo, address, contact details
✔ “To Whom It May Concern”
✔ Employee name + position
✔ Employment period
✔ Employment type (Full-time/Part-time/Contract)
✔ Working hours per week
✔ NOC code (if employer agrees)
✔ Detailed job responsibilities
✔ Salary per hour ($xx/hr)
✔ Skills/Performance (optional)
✔ Employer’s signature + name + designation
8. Important: Combine PGWP + SOWP Applications Together
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make:
❌ Submitting PGWP alone first
❌ Submitting SOWP separately later
This causes:
Two different visa officers processing files
Spouse’s SOWP refused because PGWP result is pending
Long delays (6–8 months)
Status restoration issues
Spouse cannot work during this time
Correct way:
✔ Submit PGWP + SOWP together
✔ Even if spouse is outside Canada
✔ Even if you don’t have a job yet
✔ Even if you don’t have funds
If you already applied PGWP alone → submit PGWP + SOWP together as second application.
IRCC will automatically:
Withdraw duplicate PGWP
Refund the fee
Process PGWP + SOWP together
This is the safest strategy.
Final Thoughts
Submitting proper job proofs for SOWP Extension is 100% mandatory in 2025.
IRCC has increased scrutiny, and missing even one document can lead to refusal.
Always include these 5 documents:
Job Reference Letter
Salary Account Statement
Salary Slips (3+)
Job Eligibility Proof
Job Offer Letter (optional)
At Globexa Immigration, we handle SOWP, PGWP applications for clients inside and outside Canada, ensuring all documents are accurate, complete, and compliant.
If you want help preparing your:
Job Reference Letter
NOC matching
Eligibility proof
Salary justification
Complete SOWP + PGWP file
We can take care of everything professionally.
