1. Should You Apply for Your Spouse’s Open Work Permit Along with Your Canada Study Visa Application?
Canada Study Visa with Spouse/Family OR Alone?
Welcome to the official Globexa Immigration blog, your ultimate resource for all things related to Canada immigration! Are you planning to study, work, or settle in Canada? Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the latest insights on study visas, post-graduation work permits (PGWP), and permanent residency (PR) opportunities in Canada. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss an important question: Should you apply for your spouse’s open work permit along with your Canada study visa application?
Many clients have asked me whether applying for a spouse open work permit together with the study visa application could complicate the process and lead to a possible refusal. The short answer is yes, it can add complexity and may result in a refusal. Why? Because you are applying for visas for the entire family, and this can sometimes create complications in the application process. While there is a risk of refusal, it’s important to understand the context and make an informed decision.
1.1 Should You Apply Alone for Your Study Visa if You Are Married?
The answer is no. In the current scenario, I would not recommend applying alone if you are married. If a client insists on applying separately, that’s a different situation, but in most cases, I advise applying for the entire family together. In most instances, we have seen positive outcomes when both the student visa and the spouse open work permit applications are submitted together.
However, it’s important to note that there are sometimes delayed results or mixed outcomes. In certain cases, we have seen the student’s visa get approved while the spouse’s visa was refused. While this can happen, it is relatively uncommon. In most cases, the student’s visa approval comes with the spouse’s open work permit approval.
1.2 Recent Changes in Canada’s Spouse Open Work Permit Policy
It’s important to be aware that Canada’s immigration policies are changing rapidly, especially in relation to the spouse open work permit. Previously, students were only eligible to bring their spouse on an open work permit if they were pursuing specific programs such as Master’s degrees, STEM degrees, or degrees like Bachelor of Education or Master of Computer Science. However, recent updates have expanded these eligibility requirements, and now more programs may qualify for a spouse open work permit.
In cases where the primary applicant is on a work permit or applying for one, the spouse’s eligibility for an open work permit is generally based on the NOC B level of the job. Initially, jobs classified as Tier 0, 1, 2, or 3 were eligible, but now Tier 0 and Tier 1 jobs (higher management or specialized positions) may be required.
1.3 Is Applying Alone a Good Strategy?
Some people might consider applying only for the study visa in the hope that this would increase the chances of approval. My recommendation is not to follow this approach. Even with the frequent changes in policies regarding spouse open work permits, applying together still remains the best option. You don’t want to risk complicating your application by submitting it separately.
All in all, applying for your spouse’s open work permit together with your Canada study visa is generally the best option, despite the potential complications. The chances of both the student visa and the spouse visa being approved together are high, but there is always a possibility of delays or mixed results. As the immigration policies change frequently, it’s crucial to stay updated.
1.4 Should You Apply for Your Spouse’s Open Work Permit Along with Your Study Visa?
Some people might consider applying only for the study visa in the hope that this would increase the chances of approval. My recommendation is not to follow this approach. Even with the frequent changes in policies regarding spouse open work permits, applying together still remains the best option. You don’t want to risk complicating your application by submitting it separately.
All in all, applying for your spouse’s open work permit together with your Canada study visa is generally the best option, despite the potential complications. The chances of both the student visa and the spouse visa being approved together are high, but there is always a possibility of delays or mixed results. As the immigration policies change frequently, it’s crucial to stay updated.
1.5 Why You Should Apply for Your Entire Family Together
The best approach is to apply for the entire family together, rather than applying alone for your study visa. This way, if the application is refused, at least you’re all together. I’ve seen many situations where families are separated, and I have personally experienced life in Canada without my family, it’s not easy, believe me. It’s a tough situation that can impact your overall experience in Canada.
Do not leave your family behind, apply for the study visa and spouse open work permit together. Whether you get the visa or refusal, it’s better to face it together as a family. Even if the entire family gets a refusal, you have the opportunity to reapply in Canada. You can always reapply, and there’s no limit to how many times you can submit an application, as long as the student meets the eligibility requirements.
1.6 How to Improve Your Spouse’s Open Work Permit Chances
If you’re eligible for a study visa, as long as you meet the requirements (such as the correct band score in IELTS or PTE, paying your first-year tuition fee, your GIC, completing your medical exams, and studying at a recognized university for a Master’s degree), your spouse will also be eligible for an open work permit. When you show the appropriate funds, complete the medical for your spouse, and prove that your spouse is working in the home country, it improves your chances of approval for the spouse open work permit.
Even if everything is done correctly, documents submitted properly, SOP written well, and your marriage is genuine, sometimes refusals can still happen. If you face a refusal, don’t worry. Reapply! You can always submit a new application, and if you’ve done everything correctly, your chances of getting approved will improve.
I still remember the cases of one of my clients, Adi, and many others who received refusals for their study visa applications along with their spouse and entire family. However, after reapplying with the entire family, they received their study visas on the second attempt. At Globexa Immigration, we’ve successfully handled many such cases, helping clients obtain visas on their second, third, or even fourth attempts. There’s no problem with reapplying with the same application, as long as you meet all the criteria for a study visa.
If you are applying through the SDS category and fulfilling all the required conditions, like submitting the correct IELTS band score, paying your first-year tuition fee, providing GIC, completing medical exams, and enrolling in a recognized educational institution, your chances of approval are high. Even if you face a refusal, it’s important to remember that you can always reapply with the same application. It’s not an issue, and we at Globexa are here to guide you through the process.
I’ve also made detailed blogs on topics such as SDS study visa applications and how to apply for a spouse open work permit. For a more comprehensive understanding and detailed information, please refer to that blog.
If you are meeting all the requirements for a study visa and spouse open work permit, but still receive a refusal, there is no need to worry. Always go back and reapply for the entire family. Many people may advise you to apply only for the student visa if you receive a refusal after applying with your spouse and family. Do not listen to this advice. It’s always better to reapply for the entire family again.
As long as your funds are sufficient, your marriage is bonafide, and your spouse is eligible for a spouse open work permit because you are pursuing a master’s degree or an eligible bachelor’s degree in Canada, you are good to go. Meeting these criteria is key to a successful application.
So, don’t listen to anyone who tells you that applying for the entire family together is the reason for your refusal. Reapply with confidence and keep your application strong.
At Globexa, we have handled over 100 cases where we applied for the entire family together. In the current scenario, if someone is married, I apply for everyone, without exception. While many consultants may not recommend this approach and might avoid the risk of applying for the entire family, we at Globexa are willing to take that risk. I only charge the full fee after the visa approval, meaning there is no upfront cost for you.
The reason behind this approach is simple. If you get separated and, after the student reaches Canada, new rules are introduced, like those that prevent applying for a spouse open work permit, what happens to the family? There are two possible scenarios:
- The family stays separated until PR is granted, and the rest of the family can join later.
- The student in Canada may be forced to leave Canada and return to the home country, which is not an ideal situation.
Ultimately, the goal is for the entire family to stay together in Canada. I have personally lived without my family in Canada, and it is not an easy experience. While you may feel you can manage, it becomes a long-distance relationship, and maintaining such a situation is very challenging. I have been through this myself, and I would not recommend it.
At Globexa, we are ready to take that risk with you. I don’t charge anything in advance; everything is only paid after your family’s visa is approved. I’m not here just to make money, I’m here to ensure a better future for you and your family.
If you ask 100 consultants, 99% will advise you not to apply with the entire family, but I always say: apply with the entire family. Don’t leave your spouse behind, hoping to apply for a spouse open work permit later. Think about the long-term impact of staying together as a family in Canada.
The message I want to convey is simple: apply for the entire family. If you want to discuss your specific case or apply through Globexa Immigration, I am here to assist you every step of the way. To book a consultation, simply click on the link provided here:.
Thank you so much for reading this blog until the end. I look forward to seeing you in the next blog!
