What are the new eligibility requirements for spouses of international students?

 As of March 19, 2024, the eligibility requirements for spouses and common-law partners of international students applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) have been updated significantly. Here are the key points regarding these new requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

1. Enrollment Level of the International Student :
   • The spouse or partner can only apply for an SOWP if their sponsor (the international student) is enrolled in:A 
2. Documentation Requirements :
   • Applicants must provide documentation to prove their relationship to the student and one document showing proof of the student's enrollment in a degree-granting program. Acceptable documents include:A valid Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
3. Exclusions for Undergraduate Programs :
   • Spouses or partners of international students enrolled in undergraduate programs are generally not eligible for an SOWP unless they are in one of the specified professional degree programs listed above.
4. Transitioning from Previous Applications :
   • Those who applied for an SOWP before March 19, 2024, remain eligible if their partner has a valid study permit and meets specific criteria related to their educational institution.

These changes reflect Canada's efforts to streamline its immigration process and ensure that open work permits are granted primarily to partners of students in higher education programs that align with labor market needs

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1] https://www.cicnews.com/2024/03/breaking-ircc-updates-eligibility-requirements-for-spousal-open-work-permits-0343542.html

[2] https://cila.co/eligibility-for-the-sowp-for-spouses-and-common-law-partners-of-international-students-what-does-the-future-hold/

[3] https://eiglaw.com/ircc-requirements-for-work-permit-for-spouse-or-partner-of-international-students/

[4] https://monitor.icef.com/2024/09/canada-announces-updates-for-foreign-enrolment-cap-and-post-study-work-rules/

[5] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/canadas-open-work-permit-eligibilty-advantages-and-how-you-can-apply/articleshow/110897994.cms

[6] https://gowlingwlg.com/en/insights-resources/articles/2024/immigration-update-new-measures-international-students

[7] https://www.canadavisa.com/study-in-canada-bringing-a-partner-and-family-members-to-canada.html

[8] https://www.canadim.com/study/live-as-a-student-in-canada/spouses-family/