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PGWP & SOWP Outside Canada
SOWP from Outside Canada Along with PG Work Permit Application – Complete Guide (2025)
If you are planning to apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) from outside Canada along with your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application, this detailed guide will answer every possible question you may have.
This blog is based on a real video explanation covering eligibility, job requirements, funds, timelines, risks, refusals, and best strategies—especially when the spouse is outside Canada and the primary applicant is applying for or holding a PG work permit.
1. What Is This Scenario?
This situation applies when:
One spouse is inside Canada applying for or holding a PG Work Permit
The other spouse is outside Canada
You want to apply for Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) as a fresh application
This is NOT a spouse extension from inside Canada
Important:
A spouse application from outside Canada is treated as a fresh visa application, not an extension.
That means higher scrutiny, higher refusal risk, and strict financial requirements.
2. Who Can Apply for Spouse Open Work Permit from Outside Canada?
Eligibility depends mainly on the primary applicant in Canada.
Primary Applicant Must Be:
Applying for PG Work Permit OR
Already holding an approved PG Work Permit
Having at least 16 months of PGWP validity remaining or eligibility
If you studied:
UG Diploma
PG Diploma
Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD
You are eligible
There is no restriction on level of study once you move to PG Work Permit.
Even diploma students are fully eligible for spouse open work permit after PGWP.
3. Common Myth: “Diploma Students Cannot Apply for Spouse Visa”
False
Once you move from study permit to work permit, your study level does not matter anymore.
PGWP rules are completely different from study permit spouse rules.
4. Job Requirement – Who Needs a Job?
Very Important
Primary applicant (PGWP holder/applicant) → Job REQUIRED
Spouse outside Canada → Job NOT mandatory, but recommended
Why job matters?
Because spouse open work permit eligibility depends on the employment of the PGWP holder, not the spouse.
5. What Kind of Job Is Required?
Jobs are classified under NOC TEER system.
TEER 0 or TEER 1
Any job under these levels is acceptable
(No restriction on job title)
TEER 2 or TEER 3
Only specific listed occupations are eligible
6. Best Jobs That Easily Qualify (High Approval Strategy)
Assistant Manager Jobs (Highly Recommended)
These are TEER 0 jobs and easy to get:
Assistant Manager – Restaurant
Assistant Manager – Retail
Assistant Manager – Food Services
Assistant Manager – Bar
Even with salaries like $19–$22/hour, these jobs qualify.
Important NOC Codes:
Restaurant Assistant Manager – 60030
Retail Assistant Manager – 60020
Supervisor Jobs That Qualify
Many supervisor roles also fall under TEER 0 / 1:
Retail Supervisor
Accounting Supervisor
HR Supervisor
Finance Supervisor
Logistics Supervisor
IT & Tech Jobs
Almost all IT roles qualify:
Software Developer
Software Engineer
Web Developer
Network Technician
User Support Technician
Trade & Skilled Jobs (TEER 2 / 3 – Listed Only)
Painter
Truck Driver
Bus Driver
Construction Trades
Pharmacy Technician
Dental / Medical Technologist
🟢 Bonus:
These jobs also help with PR pathways later.
7. When Should You Apply for Spouse Open Work Permit?
There are three possible timings, but only two are recommended.
✅ Best Option (Highly Recommended)
Apply SOWP together with PGWP application
Why?
Saves 4–5 months of waiting time
Gives one extra chance for approval
Refusal of SOWP does NOT affect PGWP
✅ Second Option
Apply after PGWP approval
Works, but you lose valuable time.
❌ Not Recommended
Apply after submitting PGWP but before approval
Reason:
You will need to submit PGWP again
Second PGWP becomes a dummy application
Unnecessary risk and confusion
8. Big Fear: “If Spouse Visa Is Refused, PGWP Will Be Refused”
❌ Completely False
These are separate applications.
Many real cases exist where:
SOWP refused
PGWP approved
9. What If You Don’t Have a Job Yet?
No problem.
You can:
Submit application now
Get job later (May / June / July)
Upload job documents via IRCC Webform
Visa officers may also send ADR (Additional Document Request) asking for job proof.
10. Funds Requirement (Most Critical Part)
Since this is a fresh application from outside Canada, funds are mandatory.
Required Funds (Approx.)
| Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 2 (Couple) | $26,000 |
| 3 (Couple + 1 child) | $32,000 |
| 4 (Couple + 2 children) | $39,000 |
➕ Add approx. $6,000 per additional child
11. Where Can Funds Be Shown?
Funds can be shown:
In Canada
In home country
UAE or any other country
But funds must be:
In husband or wife’s account only
Savings account
Fixed deposit
Canadian checking/savings account
Hello Canada account
❌ Parents’ funds are NOT counted unless transferred
12. What Is NOT Considered Funds?
❌ Property
❌ Land
❌ House
❌ LIC policy
❌ Shares / Mutual funds
❌ Gold
❌ Income / salary
Visa officers only accept liquid, immediately available funds.
13. Old Funds vs New Funds
Ideal:
4–6 months old funds
Higher amount than required
If Funds Are New:
You can still apply.
Best strategies:
Convert funds into Fixed Deposit
Transfer funds to Canada
Open Hello Canada account
Avoid sudden large deposits in savings accounts.
14. Warning ⚠️ Do NOT Withdraw Funds After Applying
IRCC can re-verify balances
Mismatch = 5-year ban
Even border officers can ask for funds at landing
Always maintain funds until you enter Canada.
15. Spouse Visa vs Visitor Visa
❌ Visitor visas have higher refusal rate
✅ If eligible, always apply for Spouse Open Work Permit
Even if refused:
Reapply again
Eligibility matters more than refusal history
Key Final Advice
Apply SOWP with PGWP
Don’t wait unnecessarily
Secure an eligible job
Maintain strong funds
Don’t panic about refusals
Reapply if needed
If you are eligible, approval will come.
