Can I apply for a Open work permit after my PGWP expires?

[hp1211]

Hi All,

Background:

I have done my Masters from Canada. I graduated in 2012 and have a post-graduate work permit which is valid till Feb, 2015.
But due to some personal reasons, I had to come back to India at that time.

Now, my wife is also getting transferred to Canada and her company is filing visa for her. Hence, do I have the option to file an open work permit as her dependent, while my PGWP is valid or I have to wait for it to expire?

Appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Hardik

 

[amira_mais]

You don’t have to wait for the PGWP to expire in order to apply for the spousal open work permit (SOWP).

 

[hp1211]

Thanks Amira for your response...
Just a follow-up question.. should i apply for the SOWP together with my wife or after she is done?
Also, I could not find this information on CIC. Do you have any link which I could refer for complete details on SOWP?

 

[amira_mais]

Here is the link to Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website where SOWPs are discussed: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who.asp

Scroll down to the section that says "If your spouse wants to work in Canada"

You can send both your and her applications in together.