New Financial Requirements for Spouse Open Work Permit in Canada After September 1, 2025
Globexa Immigration | Latest Canada Visa Updates
If you’re planning to apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) for Canada, there’s an important update you must not ignore. Starting September 1, 2025, the financial requirements to apply for a spouse visa will increase significantly — and this could directly affect your eligibility.
In this blog, we break down exactly how much more you’ll need to show in terms of GIC, living funds, and how your application strategy should change if you’re applying before or after September 1, 2025.
1. The Urgent Update: Apply Before September 1, 2025
If you’re just barely managing funds right now, you should try to lodge your application before September 1, 2025. After this date, even a minor shortage in funds could result in the refusal of your spouse open work permit.
This update affects:
Study visa applicants
PGWP holders
LMIA-based closed work permit holders
Anyone applying for a spouse open work permit inside or outside Canada
2. Updated GIC and Living Funds Requirements (Effective Sept 1, 2025)
| Applicant Type | Current Funds Required | New Funds Required | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Only (GIC) | $21,000 CAD | $23,000 CAD | +$2,000 |
| Student + Spouse | $26,000 CAD | $29,000 CAD | +$3,000 |
| Student + Spouse + 1 Child | $32,000 CAD | $36,000 CAD | +$4,000 |
| Student + Spouse + 2 Children | $39,000 CAD | $43,000 CAD | +$4,000 |
💡 Tip: You can deposit extra funds directly into your GIC (e.g., $29,000 or $36,000), even before the increase is implemented. ICICI Bank allows you to withdraw the full GIC amount after landing in Canada.
3. GIC Insights
You can make your GIC payment via ICICI Bank.
The entire GIC amount is withdrawable once you arrive in Canada — no need to keep it locked for one year.
If you’re applying with family, it’s a good idea to show the full required amount in GIC upfront for smoother processing.
4. Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria
If applying alongside a study visa, the primary applicant (student) must:
Enroll in a 2-year Master’s program (minimum 16 months).
Show updated financial funds:
$26,000 CAD (before Sept 1, 2025)
$29,000 CAD (after Sept 1, 2025)
With kids, show more as per the updated chart
Prove a genuine marriage, especially if it’s a recent marriage:
Government documents
Photos
Wedding proofs, etc.
5. Spouse Visa with PGWP or Work Permit
If the primary applicant holds or is applying for:
Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
LMIA-based Closed Work Permit
Then spouse open work permit can be applied if:
The work permit is of at least 16 months in duration.
The job is under NOC Tier 0, 1, 2, or 3.
On Tier 0/1: Any job title is fine (e.g., Assistant Manager in retail or restaurant).
On Tier 2/3: Only specific NOC codes are eligible. A full list will be shared separately.
6. Job Requirement Insights
If PGWP or LMIA is Already Approved:
Do NOT apply for SOWP unless you have a valid job offer.
Why? Because spouse visa gets processed quickly (within 2 months) and there’s no time to update documents later.
If PGWP/LMIA is Still in Process:
You can apply for spouse visa even without a job.
You’ll have 6–8 months to get a job and update IRCC with your details via web forms.
7. When to Apply for Spouse Visa?
With Study Visa – Best Scenario
Apply for the spouse visa alongside the study visa. This helps:
Both applicants travel together.
Strengthens the application if documents are well-prepared.
Globexa Immigration recommends this for most couples.
After Getting Study Visa but Before Traveling
If you get your study visa and have 2–3 months before traveling to Canada, you can apply for SOWP in that window.
After Enrollment in Canada
You may apply for your spouse visa after landing and completing college enrollment.
8. Timeline Differences Matter
Spouse Visa Processing Alone: Takes ~2 months
Spouse Visa + PGWP/LMIA Applied Together: Takes 6–8 months
You get more time to submit job details if applying together.
Final Reminder
If you’re planning to apply after September 1, 2025, you must:
Show updated GIC amounts
Prepare for stricter financial scrutiny
Ensure your job matches Tier and NOC requirements
Conclusion
Changes in the financial criteria can make or break your spouse open work permit application. Whether you are applying with a study visa, PGWP, or LMIA-based work permit, timing and documentation are crucial.
Globexa Immigration recommends:
Apply before Sept 1, 2025 if you’re low on funds.
Apply with spouse to increase approval chances.
Always maintain accurate GIC and financial proofs.
