Should I Withdraw or Keep Active? Wife’s Visitor Record Still Pending After Applying for SOWP

[jhunmissionc]

Hi everyone,

I’d like to ask for advice from those with experience in inland Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) applications and maintained status situations.

Here’s my family’s case:

• My wife previously held a Spousal Open Work Permit that expired on July 30, 2025.
• Before it expired, she submitted a Visitor Record application to maintain her legal status in Canada.
• That Visitor Record application is still pending with IRCC.
• Yesterday (October 28, 2025), we submitted a new SOWP application online for her, including restoration fees and the work permit fee, since her previous SOWP had expired.

Now I’m unsure what to do next regarding her pending Visitor Record.

My questions are:

1. Should I withdraw the Visitor Record application now that we’ve submitted the SOWP?
2. Or should we keep it active until IRCC finalizes the SOWP?
3. Will IRCC automatically close or refuse the VR once the SOWP is approved?
4. Is it advisable to send a webform to link or clarify both applications?

For context:

• I’m currently under maintained status as a PGWP applicant (application submitted June 2, 2025).
• I’m employed full-time in BC under NOC 22232 (TEER 2).
• Our 7-year-old son is in Grade 2 at a local public school and has a Visitor Record application pending as well.

We want to make sure everything stays compliant while waiting for the SOWP decision.

Any insight or experience with this type of overlapping application situation would be very much appreciated!

Thank you

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I’d like to ask for advice from those with experience in inland Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) applications and maintained status situations.

Here’s my family’s case:

• My wife previously held a Spousal Open Work Permit that expired on July 30, 2025.
• Before it expired, she submitted a Visitor Record application to maintain her legal status in Canada.
• That Visitor Record application is still pending with IRCC.
• Yesterday (October 28, 2025), we submitted a new SOWP application online for her, including restoration fees and the work permit fee, since her previous SOWP had expired.

Now I’m unsure what to do next regarding her pending Visitor Record.

My questions are:

1. Should I withdraw the Visitor Record application now that we’ve submitted the SOWP?
2. Or should we keep it active until IRCC finalizes the SOWP?
3. Will IRCC automatically close or refuse the VR once the SOWP is approved?
4. Is it advisable to send a webform to link or clarify both applications?

For context:

• I’m currently under maintained status as a PGWP applicant (application submitted June 2, 2025).
• I’m employed full-time in BC under NOC 22232 (TEER 2).
• Our 7-year-old son is in Grade 2 at a local public school and has a Visitor Record application pending as well.

We want to make sure everything stays compliant while waiting for the SOWP decision.

Any insight or experience with this type of overlapping application situation would be very much appreciated!

Thank you

1. No because she would have no status if that was the case. She remained in Canada so if she wants to have remained in Canada legally and qualify for the SOWP she needs the VR to get processed. Your son should apply for a study permit as well. Many schools are now asking for proof of one and IRCC also typically wants school aged children to apply for SPs these days.

 

[jhunmissionc]

I have proceeded with my wife SOWP application. However, due to time constraints, I decided not to include my son's Study Permit. Is it fine to do it later for his SP application? Let's say after my PGWP is approved. thank you

 

[canuck78]

I have proceeded with my wife SOWP application. However, due to time constraints, I decided not to include my son's Study Permit. Is it fine to do it later for his SP application? Let's say after my PGWP is approved. thank you

Whether you should wait partially depends on your local school board and also your willingness to the risk that the VR could be denied if IRCC wants a study permit. Not sure why you didn’t apply it is not a complex process for your child. You can specify they are attending your local public school.

 

[Bruce1109]

Whether you should wait partially depends on your local school board and also your willingness to the risk that the VR could be denied if IRCC wants a study permit. Not sure why you didn’t apply it is not a complex process for your child. You can specify they are attending your local public school.

Hi, I am facing the same situation here. My husband's spouse open work permit expired June 2025 and he applied for VR in March 2025 to maintain his status in Canada but it's still pending a final decision until now. Recently I found a TIER 1 job and I want to apply open work permit for him. But since his VR is still pending final decision and it has been more than 90 days since his previous OWP expired. what should I do now? Waiting for VR to be approved and then apply for OWP or what? Thank you!

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi, I am facing the same situation here. My husband's spouse open work permit expired June 2025 and he applied for VR in March 2025 to maintain his status in Canada but it's still pending a final decision until now. Recently I found a TIER 1 job and I want to apply open work permit for him. But since his VR is still pending final decision and it has been more than 90 days since his previous OWP expired. what should I do now? Waiting for VR to be approved and then apply for OWP or what? Thank you!

The issue is that he cannot restore his status to worker if in Canada. He probably would have to apply outland, leave Canada if approved, and return. Does he have a valid TRV to re-enter? When does your work permit expire?

 

[Bruce1109]

The issue is that he cannot restore his status to worker if in Canada. He probably would have to apply outland, leave Canada if approved, and return. Does he have a valid TRV to re-enter? When does your work permit expire?

my work permit expires in Jan 2028. Can we wait for his VR to be approved and then apply for his OWP? or one cannot apply for OWP inland while holding a VR?

 

[Naturgrl]

my work permit expires in Jan 2028. Can we wait for his VR to be approved and then apply for his OWP? or one cannot apply for OWP inland while holding a VR?

Doesn't matter if VR is approved. He is a visitor in Canada so cannot restore status to worker (WP expired more than 90 days ago) and apply for SOWP. Does he have a valid TRV?