Canada Visitor Visa to SOWP Inside Canada

Many people come to Canada as visitors to spend time with family. Later, they realize they want to stay longer and work legally. If your husband or wife is already in Canada as a student or worker, you may be able to convert your visitor status into a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) — without leaving Canada.

This pathway can allow families to stay together while building a future in Canada. However, it must be handled correctly to avoid refusals.

In this guide, Globexa Immigration explains everything about converting a Visitor Visa to SOWP inside Canada.

1. What is a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

A Spouse Open Work Permit is a special work permit issued to the spouse of an eligible foreign national in Canada.

It allows you to:

✔ Work for any employer
✔ Work full-time
✔ Change jobs freely
✔ No LMIA required
✔ Gain Canadian work experience

This is called an open work permit because it is not employer-specific.

2. Can Visitors in Canada Apply for SOWP?

Yes. Visitors inside Canada may apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit if their spouse meets eligibility requirements.

Your current status can be:

Visitor Visa
Visitor Record
Maintained status

But your status must be valid at the time of application.

3. Who Makes You Eligible for SOWP?

Your spouse in Canada must be:

1. An International Student

Your spouse must:

Hold a valid study permit
Be studying in an eligible program at a designated institution

2. A Foreign Worker

Your spouse must:

Hold a valid work permit
Be employed in an eligible occupation

Not all jobs qualify, so eligibility must be checked carefully.

4. Benefits of Converting Visitor Visa to SOWP

This is a very attractive pathway because:

✔ You stay with your spouse in Canada
✔ You can work legally
✔ You gain Canadian experience
✔ You support your family financially
✔ It can help in future PR pathways

5. Documents Required

Strong documentation is essential.

From Spouse in Canada

Study permit or work permit copy
Enrollment letter or job letter
Pay slips (if worker)
Passport and visa

From Applicant (Visitor)

Passport
Current visitor status
Marriage certificate
Photos together
Chat history / relationship proof
Explanation letter

Relationship proof is very important to show the marriage is genuine.

6. Maintaining Legal Status

You must apply before your visitor status expires. If you apply on time, you may receive maintained status, allowing you to stay legally while the work permit is being processed.

7. Processing Time

Processing can take 2 to 5 months depending on your case.

8. Can You Work While Waiting?

You cannot work until your work permit is approved. Starting work early can cause serious immigration issues.

Why Choose Globexa Immigration?

At Globexa Immigration, we help families stay together and work legally.

We provide:

✔ Eligibility assessment
✔ Status strategy
✔ Relationship proof guidance
✔ Strong submission letter
✔ Complete documentation review
✔ Professional application submission

We focus on approval, not just submission.