Hi everyone,
I’m seeking advice regarding my wife’s Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application and her current temporary resident status in Canada.
I completed my Master’s degree in 2025 and submitted my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application on June 2, 2025, before my study permit expired. I’m currently under maintained status while waiting for a decision.
I’m employed in a full-time position under NOC 22232 (Occupational Health and Safety Specialist / Consultant), which is classified as TEER 2, making my spouse eligible for an open work permit.
My wife previously held a valid SOWP, which expired earlier this year. Before its expiry, she submitted a Visitor Record (VR) application together with our child to maintain her status in Canada. That VR application is still being processed.
We are now trying to apply for her new SOWP, but the online system says she must “restore her status” before proceeding — even though her VR application was submitted before her permit expired. It might be because we used the expiry date of her old SOWP when answering the questionnaire, while the VR is still in process.
I’d like to ask for clarification from anyone with experience or from those familiar with IRCC policy:
Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m seeking advice regarding my wife’s Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application and her current temporary resident status in Canada.
I completed my Master’s degree in 2025 and submitted my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application on June 2, 2025, before my study permit expired. I’m currently under maintained status while waiting for a decision.
I’m employed in a full-time position under NOC 22232 (Occupational Health and Safety Specialist / Consultant), which is classified as TEER 2, making my spouse eligible for an open work permit.
My wife previously held a valid SOWP, which expired earlier this year. Before its expiry, she submitted a Visitor Record (VR) application together with our child to maintain her status in Canada. That VR application is still being processed.
We are now trying to apply for her new SOWP, but the online system says she must “restore her status” before proceeding — even though her VR application was submitted before her permit expired. It might be because we used the expiry date of her old SOWP when answering the questionnaire, while the VR is still in process.
I’d like to ask for clarification from anyone with experience or from those familiar with IRCC policy:
- Should my wife proceed with the SOWP application by selecting “restore my status and apply for a work permit,” even though her VR application is still pending?
- I’ve seen some people mention putting a future date (e.g., October 30, 2026) to bypass the “restore status” prompt, then explaining it in the Letter of Explanation — but would that be considered misrepresentation?
- Would submitting a restoration request affect the pending VR application? Some say that if the VR gets rejected, the SOWP might automatically be refused as well.
- Should we apply for the SOWP as soon as possible (within 90 days of expiry)? If that’s the case, our 90-day window would close by October 30.
- Is there any recommended documentation or explanation to include to clarify her maintained status when submitting the new SOWP application?
Thanks in advance for your help!