This write up provides comprehensive information on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension. All questions related to how to apply for a PGWP and SOWP extension are answered here.
If you’re planning to apply for your PGWP or extend your SOWP in the future, this guide is essential for you. We’ve addressed all the possible questions related to these topics to ensure you have all the necessary information to make your application process smooth and efficient.
1.0 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada: A Valuable Opportunity for International Students
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers international students in Canada a crucial opportunity to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies.
If you hold a valid study permit and have graduated from an eligible Canadian institution, you may apply for a PGWP. This permit allows you to work in Canada for a duration equivalent to the length of your study program, up to a maximum of three years. However, it is important to note that obtaining a PGWP requires a separate online application, as it is not automatically granted.
1.1 Will I get PG Work Permit Automatically?
It is not the responsibility of schools, colleges, or universities to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) on behalf of students. The student must apply for it separately. The PGWP application is submitted online, and it requires a distinct application process.
1.2 When Should You Apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The best time to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is on the day you receive your course completion letter. This letter typically takes 20 to 30 days to be issued after you complete your program.
For example, if your course ends on December 8th, you’ve completed your exams, submitted your assignments, and are set to receive your course completion letter on December 28th, you should submit your PGWP application on December 28th.
It’s essential to prepare all other necessary documents in advance, such as immigration forms, the Statement of Purpose (SOP), and your GC Key. On the day of your application submission, only two documents should be pending: the course completion letter and your transcript, as these two documents are typically issued together. Once you have these two documents, you’re ready to submit your PGWP application.
1.3 Why It’s Crucial to Submit Your PGWP Application on the Same Day You Receive Your Course Completion Letter?
It is essential to submit your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application on the same day you receive your course completion letter, so you can begin working immediately. Delaying your application can result in lost time.
Working in Canada after completing your studies without a valid PGWP is not allowed. For instance, if you receive your course completion letter today but wait a week to submit your PGWP application, you cannot work during that one-week period. Therefore, it is important to submit your application as soon as you have the necessary documents.
The period between receiving your course completion letter and submitting your PGWP application is crucial — you cannot work during this time. To avoid delays, submit your application immediately after receiving your course completion letter, allowing you to start working the very next day. Ideally, there should be no waiting period before you can begin working after applying for your PGWP.
If you are on a valid study permit (not implied status), you can start working immediately after submitting your PGWP application. There’s no need to wait for approval to begin working!
1.4 Why does the processing time matter?
The processing time for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable period, as it is counted towards your Permanent Residency (PR) application, whether through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Express Entry. During the four to five months while awaiting PGWP approval, you can work full-time, and this time will be considered for your PR application. This makes it an especially beneficial period for students who complete a one-year program and apply for a one-year PGWP.
Ideally, students should aim for a two-year study program, which qualifies them for a three-year PGWP. This provides more work experience, reducing the risk of facing a short work permit duration. However, if a second year of study is not feasible due to financial or other reasons, completing just one year of study still offers benefits. During the PGWP application processing, you can work for the first four to five months, effectively adding extra time to your work permit. This time can significantly contribute to your PR application as well.
Therefore, it is essential to submit your PGWP application as soon as you receive your course completion letter. Preparing your application well in advance is crucial to maximizing this important period.
2. Length of PGWP
PGWP Duration Based on Your Study Program
The length of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) you are eligible for depends entirely on the duration of your study program.
- One-Year PGWP Risk: According to the rules, a one-year PGWP is granted after completing a one-year undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) diploma. However, this option can be risky, especially for those aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. In the current scenario, it is advisable to pursue a two-year study program to secure a three-year PGWP, offering more time to gain work experience and apply for PR.
- Three-Year PGWP Eligibility: If you complete a PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s, or a 2-3 year UG/PG diploma, you will be eligible for a three-year PGWP. This longer work permit period is beneficial for gaining sufficient Canadian work experience to increase your chances of qualifying for PR.
2.1 Effect of latest changes on choice of program and PGWP
The Canadian government has recently implemented significant changes to its immigration policies, including updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes may affect your eligibility, so it’s important to understand the new rules.
Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility
2.1.1 PGWP Only for Selected Programs
Starting November 1, 2024, PGWP will be available only for selected programs. If you are applying for a study permit after October 31, 2024, ensure that the diploma or program you choose is eligible for PGWP.
2.1.2 Priority Programs List
The Canadian government now has a list of five priority programs eligible for PGWP. If your program is listed, you will be eligible for a work permit. It’s crucial to check the list when applying for a study permit, as this applies to future students.
2.1.3 Changes for Students Who Started Earlier
If you started your studies before the recent changes, these new rules won’t apply to you. For students who began their studies before November 2024, most programs from both private and public colleges were previously eligible for PGWP. These changes are for students who are starting their programs after October 2024.
2.1.4: How the Changes Affect Current Students
If you’re completing your studies now or have already started, you can apply for PGWP without worrying about the new rules. For current students, you simply need to take an English exam and submit your PGWP application.
2.1.5: For Future Students
If you plan to apply for a PGWP after December 2024, ensure your program is from the eligible PGWP program list. This applies only to future students, so students who started their programs before this date are not affected by the changes.
2.2 Accelerated Programs and PGWP Eligibility
Accelerated programs in Canada are eligible for a full Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) based on the total duration of the study, not the time taken to complete it. For example, if you enroll in a 16-18 month program (equivalent to 2 years of study), but finish it in one year by utilizing credit transfer systems or completing extra courses, you are still eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
This applies as long as the program meets the eligibility criteria for PGWP, regardless of how quickly you complete it. Accelerated programs allow students to expedite their education, and they can still qualify for the same PGWP duration as a standard two-year program.
2.3 When does PGWP Starts?
PGWP Start Date: Begins from IRCC Approval
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) officially begins on the date of approval from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), not from the date you graduate. This means the work permit will be activated once your PGWP application is approved, regardless of when you completed your studies. It’s essential to submit your application as soon as you meet the eligibility criteria to ensure there are no delays.
2.4 Additional Work Eligibility
While your application is in processing, you are granted a buffer period of 4-5 months, known as implied status. During this period, international students can continue to work, provided they meet the necessary conditions. Implied status allows students to stay in Canada and work under the same conditions as their previous visa, as long as they submitted their application before their previous status expired.
This phase is critical for students who need to maintain employment while waiting for their new visa or permit approval.
3. Eligibility Criteria for PGWP
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, you must meet the following criteria:
- Full-Time Student: You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Minimum Study Duration: Your program of study must be at least 8 months (1 year) long to be eligible for a PGWP.
- Application Deadline: You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days (6 months) after receiving your Course Completion Letter.
- Study Completion: Your college or university should officially confirm that you have successfully completed your studies. This includes the requirement that at least 50% of your study must have been completed in person at the institution in Canada.
- Online Study Limitation: No more than 50% of your program should be completed online or outside of Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
- In-Class Study Preference: It is recommended to complete more than 50% of your studies physically in Canada to increase your chances of obtaining the PGWP.
3.1 Maintaining Full-Time Studentship and PGWP Eligibility
To maintain your full-time student status throughout a 2-year program, you need to stay enrolled for the entire duration of the program, which typically includes four semesters (or terms) over 16 months. In this case, 8 months of study is equivalent to 1 year, while 16 months equals 2 years of study.
By completing these 16 months without taking scheduled breaks, you ensure that you are considered a full-time student throughout the program. This approach guarantees that you won’t fall into part-time status, which could impact your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Maintaining full-time student status is a key requirement for applying for a PGWP.
3.1.1 Key PGWP Application Requirements
- You must complete at least 8 months of study, which is equivalent to 1 year of study. Short courses (6 months or less) are not eligible for a PGWP.
- Apply for your PGWP within 180 days (6 months) of receiving your Course Completion Letter.
For example, if you receive your course completion letter in December 2024, you can apply for your PGWP any time within the next 6 months. However, don’t delay, apply as soon as you get your course completion letter to avoid wasting time.
4. Permissible breaks and what is the right time to take it?
During your studies in Canada, you are allowed to take some breaks, and some are officially included in the curriculum. However, the conditions that apply to both types of breaks and their potential impact on your PGWP application may vary depending on various factors. When you can take a break and what kind of breaks might create problems for you are discussed in detail below.
4.1 Types of Breaks:
4.1.1 Scheduled Break/Official Break
4.1.2 Unscheduled Break/Unauthorized Leave
4.1.3 Authorized Leave
One important thing to note is that many people complain their college didn’t guide them about when to take breaks and when not to. However, it is not the responsibility of the college to guide you on your breaks. You must take responsibility for managing your breaks during the scheduled ones. Unauthorized breaks are not permitted. If you encounter issues related to this, it can be stressful, but expert guidance can help you navigate it. You can connect with Globexa Immigration anytime, and we’ll help you through it by offering proactive advice.
Many students rely on university/college advisors, immigration lawyers, consultants, or even members of Canadian school panels. However, some of these individuals may make claims that are not proven or mentioned on official IRCC websites. This is why it’s crucial to seek help from someone who has the right knowledge and not just the title of a registered immigration consultant. The person guiding you must provide proof to back their claims regarding breaks or any other immigration advice. Always base your decisions on official sources of information. Anything else is just an assumption.
It is ultimately your responsibility to make decisions that will not negatively impact your immigration applications.
The effect of breaks on your PGWP application can be significant. Some students have faced issues with their registration because they took multiple unscheduled breaks during their studies. As a result, they were not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), even after completing their studies and paying a lot of money. The harm caused is irreversible, as you cannot justify any breaks that were not scheduled or authorized.
What is an Official or Scheduled Break?
Let’s understand this with an example: Algoma University provides a break after two semesters, and the remaining semesters are completed afterward. In some other universities, like CBU, the summer period is the official break. Students can, however, study during these official breaks and take courses. On the other hand, some universities allow students to continue studying without taking scheduled breaks.
To sum up, breaks should only be taken when officially announced by the college or university. This is crucial to avoid any issues with PGWP eligibility later on.
During official breaks, students are allowed to work full-time. If you are facing a financial crunch, an official break should be taken, and the earnings from this period can be used for second-year tuition deposits and other living expenses. However, if finances are not a concern, it’s better not to take the break unnecessarily.
If the break is part of the curriculum, like at Algoma University, and cannot be avoided, it should be taken. Otherwise, breaks should be avoided. The reasons are clear: By not taking breaks, you can complete your studies more quickly, receive your PGWP earlier, and enter the PR application phase before others who took the break. So, why waste precious time that could save you 4-5 months of competition?
4.1.2 Unauthorized Leave/Unscheduled Break
An unauthorized leave or unscheduled break is one that you decide to take on your own, without any official notification or approval from your university or college. For example, you may choose to stop studying after completing a semester. This action violates the requirements of full-time student status and makes you ineligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
4.1.3 Authorized Leave
If you have a valid reason for taking an unauthorized break, you can convert it into an authorized leave. To do this, you must request approval from your university or college registrar or academic advisor, providing the reason for the break. Valid reasons could include medical issues or other major circumstances that prevent you from continuing your studies. By notifying the university, this will be documented in their records, which can later be submitted with your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application to avoid complications.
It’s crucial to remember that the duration of any break, whether official or authorized, should never exceed 150 days. Unauthorized breaks are not recommended as they can lead to eligibility issues for the PGWP.
4.2:1 Semester Break Between Programs & Its Impact on PGWP
- The 150-day rule applies in this case. If the break does not exceed this timeframe, it will not affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application.
- You can take two breaks as well. For example, if you’re studying at CBU and start in the January intake, you may have a break in May. Your studies continue in the September intake, followed by another break in May. Finally, you finish your last semester in September. Both breaks are official and each is under 150 days, ensuring that your PGWP eligibility is not impacted by the number of breaks.
4.3:1 Semester Break Between 2 Programs & Its Impact on PGWP
Starting a program in January and completing it in August, followed by a break until December, and then commencing a new program in the following January, will not affect your PGWP eligibility.
However, always remember to adhere to the 150-day rule. This ensures that any break between programs does not exceed 150 days, which is crucial for maintaining eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
4.4: 2 Breaks Between 2 Programs & Their Impact on PGWP
If you begin an 8-month program in January, take an official (scheduled) break in May, and resume studies in September to complete the program by December, it will not affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.
However, if instead of starting the next program in January, you decide to take an unofficial break from January to April, and begin the next program in May, this break will not harm your PGWP eligibility, as long as the break does not exceed 150 days.
By adhering to the 150-day rule, your PGWP eligibility will remain unaffected, allowing you to continue your studies and apply for a work permit post-graduation.
4.5: One Semester Break Before Starting Your Studies & Its Impact on PGWP
Another time you can take a break is during the initial months immediately after arriving in Canada. If you defer your admission, change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), or have any other reason for not starting your studies right away, this break is permissible.
However, you cannot work during this period since you are not enrolled as a student. Despite this, such a break will not impact your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application as long as you start your studies within a reasonable time frame.
5. What Happens If I Defer My Admission After Getting a Study Visa?
Deferring your admission does not affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application. You can defer your admission as many times as necessary, even after receiving your study visa. As long as your school approves the deferment, it will not impact your immigration applications. To travel to Canada, all you need is your study visa, and ensure your GCKey is updated accordingly.
Important Considerations:
- Short Deferrals (1 semester or less): If you defer for one semester, you do not need to notify anyone.
- Long Deferrals (more than 150 days): If you defer for more than 150 days (such as an 8-month deferral), you must inform IRCC by submitting a web form. IRCC will reopen your file, issue a new PPR, and eventually provide a new visa stamp. This process may take some time, and you might need to defer again, but it will not affect your PGWP eligibility.
Recommendation:
We recommend deferring for no more than one semester to avoid potential complications with your visa or PGWP application.
6. Documents Needed for PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you will need to provide the following documents:
- Course Completion Letter: Official confirmation that you have successfully completed your program.
- Final Transcript: Your final academic transcript showing completion of your studies.
- Latest Admission Offer Letter: This letter should indicate the length and duration of your study program.
- All Study Permits: Include your initial study permit as well as any extensions you may have received.
- English/French Test Scorecard: Proof of language proficiency (if applicable).
- Other Documents: These include your passport, photographs, immigration forms, and Statement of Purpose (SOP).
These documents are essential for the successful processing of your PGWP application.
6.1: Medical Exam for PGWP
If you intend to work in healthcare as a professional in Canada, you must undergo a medical test. This test can be done either within Canada or abroad, but it must be completed before applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Please note that amendments to the medical test results are not possible after submission.
Additionally, the medical test should be conducted within 90 days prior to your PGWP application.
6.2: English/French Test Score Requirements
- A valid score is mandatory for immigration and study purposes.
- CLB 7 is required if you plan to study at a university.
- CLB 5 is required if you plan to study at a college.
- For English, acceptable tests include IELTS GT, CELPIP, or PTE Core.
- For French, acceptable tests include TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
At Globexa, we offer professional preparation for these tests. Our expert trainers can help you achieve the desired score, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements for your immigration or study application.
Additionally, taking the TEF Canada or a French language test can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining Canadian PR from abroad. By opting for a French test and applying for PR, you can unlock numerous benefits in the immigration process.
6.3: Funds Required for PGWP Application
- No funds are required to be shown when applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- However, proof of financial capacity is required if you are applying for both a SOWP Extension and PGWP together. This can be demonstrated by showing evidence of employment and available funds.
7. What If My Study Permit Expires Before Receiving My Course Completion Letter?
If your study permit expires before you receive your course completion letter, it could directly impact your PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) application. There are two possible scenarios in this situation:
7.1: Situation 1: Applying for PGWP While on Implied Status
If you have applied for a study permit extension but have not yet received the approval, you are on implied status. In this case, even after receiving your course completion letter, you should not submit your PGWP application until your study permit extension is approved.
It is important to note that once you receive your course completion letter, you must stop working, as you are now on implied status. If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) while on implied status, you risk jeopardizing your PGWP application because you no longer hold your student status.
Once your study permit extension is approved—usually within a month—you can submit your PGWP application immediately. Your implied status will be changed to student status upon approval, and you will be allowed to continue working while your PGWP application is under processing.
7.2: Situation 2: Study Permit Expiring Before Course Completion Letter
If you have not submitted your study permit extension and your permit is expiring before you receive your course completion letter, you are not on implied status.
In this case, the first step is to submit your study permit extension application before your current permit expires. This will prevent you from needing to restore your status.
In this scenario as well, do not submit your PGWP application until your study permit has been successfully extended. Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) before your study permit is extended may risk your application, as you will not hold valid student status during the process.
8: What if Your Study Permit Expires Before PGWP Application?
If your study permit expires before submitting your PGWP application, follow these steps:
- Submit a study permit extension first. If you missed this, you will need to restore your status as a student and then apply for the study permit extension. Only after receiving approval for the extension should you proceed with your PGWP application.
- Additional costs: Restoring your status will increase your expenses:
- Restoration Fee: CAD 239
- Study Permit Application Fee: CAD 150
- PGWP Application Fee: CAD 255 Tip: Avoid losing your status in Canada to save time and money.
- Work restrictions: You cannot work until your PGWP is approved, which means valuable time is wasted as you won’t have student status.
- Risk of removal: If your status is not restored due to failing to meet the initial criteria for entering Canada, it could result in the rejection of all your applications, including study permit restoration, PGWP, and extension.
Important: Do not lose your status in Canada, as it can cause complications and unnecessary expenses.
9: Can I work full-time before getting my course completion letter?
The answer is yes.
10: Can I Apply for PGWP from Outside Canada?
If you have completed your studies and travelled to your home country, you can apply for the PGWP from there.
- Some things to consider:
- You will receive a Visitor Visa after approval, and the PGWP will be issued at the Port of Entry.
- Ensure that you keep a valid TRV to travel back to Canada.
11: Can I Travel Outside Canada AFTER PGWP Application?
Yes, it can be done. If you have a valid study permit, you will be able to re-enter and work. If you don’t have a valid permit, a visitor record will be issued, allowing you to enter Canada; however, you will have to wait to work until your PGWP is approved.
Tip: Always check the validity of your visa stamp before traveling outside Canada. It can be a TRV stamp or a study visa stamp. Both are valid for re-entry.
12. Extension of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can only be extended if your passport is expiring before the expected end date of your PGWP.
- The PGWP can only be issued once in your lifetime, so it cannot be renewed or extended beyond its original validity.
13. Reasons Why PGWP Can Be Refused
- Exceeding the Allowed Work Hours: Working more than the permitted hours while on a study permit can lead to PGWP refusal.
- Engaging in Criminal Activities: Involvement in any criminal offenses or illegal activities can result in PGWP denial.
- Errors in Immigration Forms: Mistakes or discrepancies in your immigration forms can cause complications and lead to refusal of your PGWP application
- Inconsistent Information: Providing information that contradicts or differs from previous applications submitted to the IRCC can result in the rejection of your PGWP request.
14. PGWP Processing Timeline
The typical processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is 4 to 5 months after submitting your application.
15. Automatic Work Authorization Letter (WP-EXT for PGWP – IMM0127 E)
The WP-EXT letter is an automatically generated document designed to reassure employers that you are authorized to work. Even if you do not have this letter, you are still permitted to work while waiting for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The letter includes a specific time duration, but this is not restrictive. You are allowed to continue working beyond this date if your PGWP approval is still pending.
16.SOWP EXTENSION
There are many questions surrounding the application for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), including concerns about extensions for spouses and children. After reading this blog, you will have a clear understanding of the answers to these questions. Below are some of the most common topics related to SOWP extensions:
16.1 Will Spouse Visa & Kids’ Visa be Extended Automatically?
The answer is NO. There is a separate application process for extending your spouse’s visa and your children’s visas. This application can be submitted along with your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application or even after receiving your PGWP approval.
However, there are potential issues when applying after receiving PGWP approval. For example, if your spouse’s visa expires before your PGWP is approved, your spouse may lose their status while waiting for approval. To avoid this situation, it is highly recommended to apply for the spouse visa extension simultaneously with your PGWP application.
You can only apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension after receiving your PGWP approval if your spouse still has at least 8 months of valid permit remaining at the time of the PGWP application.
16.2. Duration of SOWP Extension
The duration of a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is tied to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of the primary applicant. If you are granted a 3-year PGWP, your spouse will also receive a 3-year SOWP. The length of the SOWP is directly linked to the validity of the PGWP.
16.3 Apply with PGWP Application or after getting PGWP?
The decision to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) alongside or after the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on the status of your spouse’s work permit. If your spouse’s work permit is still valid and pending approval at the time of your PGWP application, it is recommended to apply together. However, if your spouse’s work permit expires before the PGWP is approved, there may be complications with their status. In such cases, applying for the SOWP extension after receiving PGWP is possible, but it requires that the spouse’s permit remains valid for at least 8 more months.
16.3.Can I travel outside Canada after SOWP Extension Application?
It is not advisable to travel outside Canada while your Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension application is being processed. When you submit an extension application, you are declaring that you are still in Canada and require the permit extension to remain in the country. Traveling outside Canada during this period could potentially violate IRCC rules. Since 2020, IRCC has maintained a record of travellers, and your request for an extension could be refused simply because you were not in Canada at the time of application. To avoid complications, it is best to stay in Canada while your extension request is being processed.
16.4 Can I Apply SOWP Extension after PGWP Application but Before Approval?
It is not recommended to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension before your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is approved. While it may be possible, doing so could create complications, as the SOWP extension is often contingent on the approval of your PGWP. Your spouse may face delays or a higher risk of refusal if the PGWP is not yet approved, as it is a prerequisite for the SOWP. To avoid issues, it’s best to wait until your PGWP is officially granted before submitting the SOWP extension application.
16.5 What is the timeline of SOWP Extension?
The timeline for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension typically mirrors that of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if both applications are submitted together. In this case, the processing time is usually around 4 to 5 months.
However, if the SOWP extension is applied separately from the PGWP, it may be processed faster and could take approximately 2 months for approval.
16.6 Job Requirement for SOWP Extension
When applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), there is no job requirement, as this permit allows you to legally search for employment in Canada. However, the situation is different for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension. While it is possible to apply for the SOWP extension without a job, it significantly increases the likelihood of rejection.
If you apply for the SOWP extension without being employed, the PGWP extension applied together with the SOWP application will not impact the PGWP’s approval process. However, the absence of employment could negatively affect the approval of the spouse’s SOWP application.
For a better chance of approval, it is strongly recommended to apply for the SOWP extension while employed. If you are not employed at the time of application, consider submitting web forms later to update the IRCC once you secure a job. This proactive approach helps reduce the risk of SOWP rejection.
16.5 How much Funds are required for SOWP Extension?
- Income from a Full-Time Job can fulfill the financial requirements for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension.
- Submitting financial proof of available funds is a recommended option to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
It is essential to show proof that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses, even though there is no specific minimum amount set for SOWP extensions. Typically, providing evidence of income from a job or showing a bank balance can help strengthen your application.
17. Children’s Visa Extensions: How and When to Apply?
- Children’s visa extensions can be done along with the SOWP extension if applicable.
- If the children are 5 years or older, a study permit extension is required for them to continue their education in Canada.
- For children under 5 years old, a Visitor Visa is sufficient for their stay, and no study permit extension is needed.
18. Embassy Fees for Canadian Visa Applications
PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) – CAD 255
- SOWP (Spousal Open Work Permit) – CAD 255
- Study Permit Extension – CAD 150
- TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) – CAD 100
- Study Restoration – CAD 239.75
19. Embassy Fees When Applying with Globexa
- PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) – CAD 100 (instead of CAD 150) until Dec 31, 2024
- SOWP Extension – CAD 150 (with both partners employed)
- SOWP Extension – CAD 200 (without employment for both partners)
- Kids’ Extension – CAD 75
- TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) – CAD 150
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