SOWP Outside Canada

CANADA

Canada

Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) from Outside Canada

At Globexa Immigration, we guide families on how to stay together in Canada while navigating complex visa rules. One important pathway is applying for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) from outside Canada along with the primary applicant’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application.

This page explains eligibility criteria, job requirements, funds needed, and best application strategies to maximize your approval chances.

1. Understanding the Scenario

This guide applies when:

Your spouse is in Canada on a study permit, about to apply for their PGWP, or has already received it.
You are outside Canada and wish to join them on a Spouse Open Work Permit.
You want to apply together with the PGWP application or after approval.

Unlike in-Canada SOWP extensions, an outside Canada application is treated as a fresh application, meaning:

Fund requirements are different and mandatory.
Visa officers may assess prospect of returning home and financial capacity more strictly.
Approval rates are generally lower than in-Canada extensions.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for SOWP from outside Canada, your spouse (the PGWP applicant) must:

Hold or be applying for a PGWP with at least 16 months of validity.
Have completed a qualifying Canadian program:
- 2-year diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD (PGWP validity = 3 years).
- UG/PG diploma also qualifies — level of study does not restrict SOWP eligibility.

3. Job Requirements for the Primary Applicant (in Canada)

The PGWP holder/applicant must have a qualifying job in Canada.

Tier 0 or 1 Jobs – Any job under these tiers qualifies. Examples:

Assistant Manager (Retail, Restaurant, Hotel) – NOC 60020 / 60030
IT roles: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Network Admin
Supervisor roles in HR, Finance, Logistics, etc.

Tier 2 or 3 Jobs – Only specific NOC codes qualify, including:

Computer Network Technicians, User Support Technicians
Construction Supervisors, Engineering Technologists
Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Lab Technologists
Truck Drivers, Painters, Welders

We provide the official NOC eligibility list to our clients for precise job targeting.

4. When to Apply

You have three timing options:

Along with PGWP application – Highly recommended for:
- Best approval chances.
- Avoiding months of delay.
- Ability to submit updated job proofs later if needed.
After PGWP approval – Acceptable but delays family reunification by 4–5 months.
After PGWP submission but before approval – Not recommended, as it requires a second (dummy) PGWP application.

5. Fund Requirements (Outside Canada Applications)

Funds must be liquid, readily available, and in the name of either spouse.
They can be held in Canada or in your home country, or split between both.

Minimum Funds Required:

2 family members (spouses only): CAD $26,000
3 family members (couple + 1 child): CAD $32,000
4 family members (couple + 2 children): CAD $39,000
Add CAD $6,000 for each additional dependent.

Acceptable Core Funds:

Savings accounts
Fixed deposits
Canadian checking/savings accounts
Hello Canada accounts (ICICI Bank)

Not considered core funds:

Property value, LIC policies, gold, mutual funds, shares (considered additional funds only).

6. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Older is better, more is better – Funds 4–6 months old are ideal; showing more than the minimum improves chances.
If funds are new:
- Transfer to a Canadian account in your spouse’s name.
- Or convert into a fixed deposit before applying.
Avoid applying from UAE or third countries if you’re an Indian/Pakistani citizen — apply from your home country.
Ensure the primary applicant’s job meets NOC tier requirements.
Submit future job offers if you don’t have an appropriate job yet, then update IRCC with proof of joining.

7. Common Myths & Clarifications

Myth: If SOWP is refused, PGWP will also be refused.
Fact: They are processed independently — PGWP approval is not affected.
Myth: Diploma graduates can’t apply for SOWP.
Fact: Level of study doesn’t matter once you’re on a PGWP.
Myth: Income counts as funds.
Fact: Only current, liquid funds are considered.

8. Our Recommendation

At Globexa Immigration, we advise:

Apply for SOWP together with PGWP.
Maintain required funds until arrival in Canada.
Target easy-to-secure Tier 0/1 jobs like Assistant Manager (Restaurant/Retail) if the primary applicant is job hunting.
Always submit from your home country for best acceptance chances.

CANADA