Outland Spousal PR + OWP (Applied May 12) - Anyone else still waiting on OWP approval?

[mmncaamn]

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to see if anyone with a similar timeline for an Outland Spousal Sponsorship + Open Work Permit (OWP) application has received any updates recently.

I submitted my OWP application on May 12, 2026, after receiving my AOR while in Canada. My permanent residence application has had regular movement but my OWP status has remained stuck on the standard "We are processing your application" message for a while now.

Here is my complete timeline for reference:

• Application Type: Outland (submitted from USA)
• PR Submitted: March 18, 2026
• AOR Received: May 7, 2026
• Linked to GCKey: May 7, 2026
• OWP Applied: May 12, 2026 (Applied after AOR while residing in Canada)
• Sponsor Eligibility Passed: May 21, 2026
• Biometrics Completed: May 21, 2026 (Requested May 20)
• Pre-arrival Letter: May 28, 2026
• Medical Passed/Completed: May 30, 2026 (Requested May 21)

Current IRCC Dashboard Status for OWP:

• Application status: "We are processing your application. We will send you a message when there is an update or if we need more information from you."
• Review of eligibility: "Your application is in progress. We will send you a message when we start reviewing your eligibility."

Has anyone who applied for an OWP around mid-May or later received their approval or background check updates yet? For anyone in a similar situation who had their OWP approved (Outland Spousal PR + OWP), how long did it take for the OWP to arrive?

Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

 

[mmncaamn]

Hey everyone, just wanted to share an update since I know there isn’t a lot of detailed information out there specifically about OWP processing for outland applicants.

I recently got my OWP approved, total processing time was about 3.5 months.

A few details about my situation that might help others:

• I applied for Outland Spousal Sponsorship.
• I submitted my OWP after applying for my PR and receiving my AOR.
• During processing, I traveled outside Canada for about 1.5 months and returned without any issues. Everything went smoothly, with no delays or complications due to travel. (I received my OWP while inside Canada, not when I was outside, so if you need to travel, it’s probably best to return before approval or before processing begins, as OWP requires both spouses to be living together.)
• For proof of address, I originally submitted my mobile phone bill.
• Later, once I received them, I also uploaded the following documents through webform and updated my application:
  • Three months of bank statements (mine and my wife’s) showing the same address
  • Three months of mobile telecom bills
  • My wife’s offer letter showing the same address

All of these were accepted without any problem.

Just wanted to share this for anyone waiting or feeling unsure, especially outland applicants who are submitting an OWP. Hope this helps someone in the same situation.