Canada Spouse Visa After Four Refusals – Real Success Story (Spouse Open Work Permit Approved)
Getting a Canada spouse open work permit after four refusals may sound impossible — but this real case proves that refusals do NOT mean the end.
This is the success story of Anoop, who finally received his spouse open work permit while his wife LB was studying in Canada at Trinity Western University in the MA Leadership program.
But this case was not a normal refusal case.
The real issue? IRCC was not accepting the course structure as “full-time study.”
Let’s break down everything.
1. Case Background
Spouse in Canada: LB
Program: Master of Arts in Leadership – Trinity Western University
Applicant outside Canada: Anoop
Visa Type: Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)
Total Refusals Before Approval: 4
1 refusal in 2023
3 refusals in 2025 (Feb, July, October)
Final Approval: January 20
After multiple refusals, the couple had almost given up completely.
2. What Was the Real Problem?
It was NOT:
Lack of documents
Lack of funds
Marriage issues
The main issue was:
Visa officer was not convinced that LB was a full-time student.
3. Why IRCC Thought She Was a Part-Time Student
Trinity Western University follows a different academic structure:
Shorter semesters (around 2 months)
Students often take 2 courses per term initially
This equals 6 credits, not the usual 9 credits
Normally, IRCC considers:
| Credits | Status |
|---|---|
| 9+ credits | Full-time |
| 6 credits | Often viewed as part-time |
Even though:
The program is government approved
University confirmed full-time status
Students from this program get PGWP later
IRCC still refused, stating:
“Student is enrolled in only two courses (6 credits), therefore considered part-time.”
4. Documents Were Already Submitted (But Still Refused)
They had provided:
✔ All past semester transcripts
✔ Proof of enrollment (current semester)
✔ Proof of course registration
✔ Letter of Acceptance
✔ University spouse support letter
Still refused.
This proves something very important:
Sometimes refusal is not about missing documents — it’s about how the officer interprets the case.
5. What We Changed in the Successful Application
The turning point came when we changed the strategy, not the program.
1. University Support Letter Modified
Earlier letter said:
“Student took two courses totaling six credit hours…”
This triggered refusal.
We asked the university to instead state:
“The student has maintained full-time status in all semesters.”
No focus on credits — only official full-time status confirmation.
2. Strong SOP Explanation
We explained:
Program is government approved
Students from same program receive PGWP (which requires full-time study)
Academic structure differs but status remains full-time
University confirms full-time status
This logical comparison worked:
If IRCC grants PGWP for this program, how can it be part-time?
3. Did NOT Change the Course
Many students panic and change programs.
We didn’t. Because the program was never the real problem.
6. Important Lesson
After refusals, people think:
❌ My course is wrong
❌ My funds are low
❌ My file is weak
But many times:
The issue is interpretation, not eligibility.
7. Applicant Profile (Anoop)
Working as Public Relations Officer in Kerala
Previous work experience in Dubai
Education: BTE + Diploma
Important Insight
For spouse visa:
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Current job | Very helpful |
| Education level | Not very important |
| English | Not required |
| Interview | Usually NO |
Showing employment helps prove home ties.
8. Financial Requirement for Spouse Open Work Permit
| Family Size | Funds Required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Student + Spouse | $29,000 |
| + 1 Child | $36,000 |
| + 2 Children | $43,000 |
| + 3 Children | $50,000 |
9. Their Funds
Total shown: Just over $30,000
Large FD created recently (November)
Some old funds also shown
Even with recent funds → Visa Approved.
10. Big Myth About Funds
Many agents say:
“Don’t apply unless funds are 6 months old.”
Not true.
Better strategy:
Deposit funds
Apply immediately
By reapplication time, funds become older anyway
Waiting only delays your case.
11. Eligibility Rules for Spouse Visa
You can apply if spouse in Canada:
Option 1: Student Route
✔ Enrolled in 2-year master’s degree
✔ Not in last semester
Option 2: Work Permit Route
✔ Holds PGWP OR
✔ Eligible for 16+ months work permit
12. When NOT to Apply
If student is in last semester
Better: Wait → Complete course → Apply PGWP + Spouse together
13. Refusal Letters – Don’t Overthink
Refusal letters are usually:
Generic
Copy-paste
Not detailed
Better insight comes from:
Officer Decision Notes (ODN / GCMS Notes)
14. Final Outcome
After 4 refusals and almost quitting:
✅ Spouse Open Work Permit Approved
✅ Family reunited
✅ Case solved without changing program
15. Key Takeaways
✔ Refusals don’t mean ineligibility
✔ Academic structure misunderstandings are common
✔ Strong explanation matters more than extra documents
✔ Funds don’t always need to be old
✔ Strategy beats panic changes
16. Need Help With a Refused Spouse Visa?
Complex cases with:
Multiple refusals
Course structure issues
Financial concerns
Recent marriage cases
can still be approved with the right approach.
Globexa Immigration specializes in handling difficult spouse visa cases after refusals.
