With an aggressive and strategic immigration policy, coupled with recent announcements to discontinue open work permits for spouses of undergraduate students, it is evident that Canada is streamlining its immigration process. This update may bring less favorable news for undergraduate students studying in Canada.
Effective March 19, 2024, spouses of international students in Canada can only apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SWOP) if their partner is pursuing a Master’s or doctoral degree at a university or polytechnic institution. Certain exceptions apply to degree programs at universities; for instance, if a spouse or partner is studying in a professional institution in medicine or science, they remain eligible to apply for SWOP.
Here’s a breakdown of each degree programs in different field
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): This is a professional degree in dentistry, preparing individuals to become licensed dentists.
- Bachelor of Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) (BCL) : LLB is an undergraduate degree in law, while JD is a professional graduate degree in law. Both are pathways to becoming a lawyer. BCL is more focused on Civil Law.
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): This is a professional degree for physicians and surgeons, necessary for practicing medicine.
- Doctor of Optometry (OD): This is a professional degree for optometrists, who provide primary vision care.
- Pharmacy: This typically refers to a Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) program, preparing individuals to become pharmacists.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD): This is a professional degree for veterinarians, who provide medical care to animals.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is an undergraduate degree in nursing, preparing individuals for a career as a registered nurse.
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed): This is an undergraduate degree in education, preparing individuals for careers as teachers.
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): This is an undergraduate degree in engineering, offering various specializations such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to to apply for Spouse Open Work Permit your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid study permit and are studying in above mentioned institutions. Along with the study they must provide the following
- a proof of enrolment letter from designated learning institution (DLI)
- ensure that the letter of acceptance from the institution you’re enrolled is valid, and that it is recognized as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- proof of relationship & additional documents requested to prove the relationship
Fees
The Processing fees is $155 and Work Permit fee is $100 – Total $255
Future
Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s recent announcement regarding the imposition of caps on study permits and a limitation on visas for entry into Canada signals impending challenges for international students and foreign workers aspiring to settle and apply for permanent residence in the country. This move comes amidst mounting economic pressures, exacerbated by housing shortages and escalating prices. As a result, the path to Canadian residency and eventual citizenship is poised to become increasingly arduous.