Many students believe that once their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is refused, their Canadian dream ends forever. However, this is not true. In this blog, we are sharing a real success story and complete guidance on how you can still go to Canada through a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) even after a PGWP refusal.
At Globexa Immigration, we regularly handle complex refusal cases and help applicants legally re-enter Canada through the right pathway.
This is the story of Bhavin and Manali — a perfect example of how your spouse’s profile can help you return to Canada even after refusals.
Bhavin previously went to Canada as a student.
He faced:
One study visa refusal
One PGWP refusal
After his PGWP refusal, he returned to India voluntarily without any violation.
He was unable to obtain permanent residency on his own.
Meanwhile, his wife Manali took a different route.
Manali went to Canada as a student.
She successfully completed her study program.
She received a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
She secured a job in the healthcare sector as a Health Support Aide.
Based on Manali’s PGWP and employment, Bhavin applied for a Spouse Open Work Permit, and his visa was approved successfully.
He received his Passport Request (PPR) in February 2026.
This case proves that even after refusals, you can still legally return to Canada through the spouse pathway.
This is one of the biggest advantages of being married when planning immigration to Canada.
If one spouse faces refusal, the other spouse can:
Go to Canada as a student
Complete education
Obtain PGWP
Get a skilled job
Sponsor the spouse on Open Work Permit
This allows families to:
Extend their stay in Canada
Gain Canadian work experience
Improve PR eligibility
Build a long-term future in Canada
Bhavin did one very important thing correctly.
After his PGWP refusal, he left Canada voluntarily instead of overstaying.
This helped him:
Maintain a clean immigration record
Avoid deportation history
Apply successfully again
If you stay illegally or get deported, your future visa chances can be severely affected.
Always follow legal procedures.
To apply for a spouse open work permit based on your spouse’s PGWP or work permit, you must meet these key requirements:
The spouse in Canada must have:
At least 16 months of valid work permit remaining
OR
Eligibility to receive a work permit of at least 16 months
In this case:
Manali’s PGWP was valid until May 2027
She had more than 16 months remaining when applying
This made Bhavin eligible
This is one of the most important eligibility requirements.
The spouse in Canada must be working in an eligible job category such as:
Healthcare
STEM occupations
Skilled trades
Transportation
Technical jobs
Priority NOC occupations
Manali was working as a Health Support Aide (Healthcare occupation), which is eligible for spouse sponsorship.
These documents are mandatory:
Job reference letter (MOST IMPORTANT)
Job offer letter (recommended)
Salary slips
Salary bank account statement
Employment eligibility documents
Educational credentials supporting the job
Providing complete documentation significantly improves approval chances.
Applicants must show sufficient funds to support themselves.
For a couple without children:
Minimum recommended funds: approx. CAD $29,000
In this case, they showed:
Wife’s funds in Canada: CAD $25,000
Wife’s funds in India: CAD $3,000
Husband’s funds in India: CAD $2,000
Total funds: approx. CAD $31,000
Visa was approved successfully.
Important note:
Funds can be in:
Husband’s account
Wife’s account
Joint accounts
India or Canada
Both partners’ combined funds are considered.
Bhavin was working as a lecturer in India at the time of application.
This helped demonstrate:
Career stability
Strong home country ties
Genuine applicant profile
If you are not working, it can negatively impact your visa application.
If unemployed, show:
Freelance work
Business activity
Professional engagement
Career proof increases visa approval chances.
Unlike study visas, education is not a strict requirement for spouse visas.
You can apply even if you have:
Bachelor’s degree
Diploma
12th pass
10th pass
Or no formal education
Work profile and spouse eligibility are more important.
You do not need to wait for PGWP approval.
You can apply when your spouse:
Applies for PGWP
Has eligibility for PGWP
This helps save time and allows faster family reunification.
This case had:
Study visa refusal
PGWP refusal
Despite this, spouse open work permit was approved successfully.
This proves:
Refusals do not permanently block your chances.
With proper documentation and strategy, approval is possible.
Major advantages include:
Work legally anywhere in Canada
No job offer required
Live with your spouse
Gain Canadian work experience
Improve chances of permanent residency (PR)
Secure long-term future in Canada
Manali is working in healthcare, which is a high-demand sector.
This improves their chances of PR through:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Healthcare occupation priority pathways
Now both husband and wife can work in Canada and build a strong PR profile.
Bhavin’s case proves that even after PGWP refusal, you can return to Canada legally through your spouse.
Key takeaways:
PGWP refusal does not permanently block your future
Your spouse can become the primary applicant
Minimum 16 months work permit is required
Proper documentation is critical
Financial proof is necessary
Legal exit from Canada protects future opportunities
With the right guidance, even complex refusal cases can succeed.
At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in:
Spouse Open Work Permit
PGWP refusal cases
Multiple refusal recovery cases
Canada study visa
Canada PR pathways
We help applicants build strong, approval-ready profiles.
If you or your spouse faced PGWP refusal, you can still return to Canada legally with the right strategy.
Contact Globexa Immigration today for expert guidance.
