SOWP applying from the U.S.

[juicydec]

Hello everyone, I am currently preparing my Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application from the United States (I am a Chinese citizen). I am in the final few months of my OPT and hold a Master's degree from the U.S. I also have a Canadian visitor visa that is valid for 10 years. My spouse is an international PhD student in Canada and has approximately 1.5 years remaining in their program. I have two questions:

1. My SOWP Document Checklist does not specifically request proof of funds. Should I still include bank statements under the "Client Information" section? If my spouse has sufficient income to support me, would it be acceptable to provide only my spouse's bank statements, or should I include my own as well? I don't currently have much income, but I do have sufficient savings in my home country's bank account.

2. Which IRCC account should be used to submit the application—my own account or my spouse's account? Additionally, when preparing letters of explanation or personal statements, should they be written from my perspective as the applicant, or from my spouse's perspective as the supporting spouse?

Thank you very much in advance for any advice!

 

[Ash G.]

For the funds question — even though the checklist doesn't explicitly ask for it, including financial documentation strengthens your application. Since your spouse is the one supporting you in Canada, include their bank statements and any proof of income like a stipend letter or TA/RA contract. But also include your own savings statements from your home country — it shows you're not arriving with zero resources, which officers like to see even if it's not required. For the account question, submit through your own IRCC account since you're the applicant. The letters of explanation should be from your perspective as the person applying, but you can include a supporting letter from your spouse confirming the relationship and their ability to support you financially. Since you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, your biometrics should still be on file — check if they were done within the last 10 years.

 

[juicydec]

For the funds question — even though the checklist doesn't explicitly ask for it, including financial documentation strengthens your application. Since your spouse is the one supporting you in Canada, include their bank statements and any proof of income like a stipend letter or TA/RA contract. But also include your own savings statements from your home country — it shows you're not arriving with zero resources, which officers like to see even if it's not required. For the account question, submit through your own IRCC account since you're the applicant. The letters of explanation should be from your perspective as the person applying, but you can include a supporting letter from your spouse confirming the relationship and their ability to support you financially. Since you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, your biometrics should still be on file — check if they were done within the last 10 years.

Thank you so much for your helpful advice!!!