Study Permit Application from SOWP

[Raisa Ayesha]

Hi, I am currently in Canada on a SOWP, and our visa will expire in August. I have received an offer letter from Bachelor of Nursing program at Trent University, and my classes are scheduled to start in September.
I would like to know whether I should apply for my study permit together with my husband or apply on my own first. I am planning to submit the application between April 18-20. I would really appreciate any guidance on this.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Naturgrl]

You can apply for you both at the same time showing $28k cash plus tuition. Need to justify costs and explain why you cannot take a nursing program in home country.

 

[Raisa Ayesha]

You can apply for you both at the same time showing $28k cash plus tuition. Need to justify costs and explain why you cannot take a nursing program in home country.

Thanks. Does he also need to submit an SOP, or is it only required from me? Also, will the processing time be longer if I apply with my spouse, since classes are starting in September?

 

[Naturgrl]

Thanks. Does he also need to submit an SOP, or is it only required from me? Also, will the processing time be longer if I apply with my spouse, since classes are starting in September?

Assume you have PAL too and no post secondary education if applying for bachelor degree. Processing depends, on what permit your spouse is on and when his permit expires. Work permit processing is over 200 days. If on PGWP, then technically he is not eligible for SOWP but who knows if IRCC will enforce.

 

[Raisa Ayesha]

Assume you have PAL too and no post secondary education if applying for bachelor degree. Processing depends, on what permit your spouse is on and when his permit expires. Work permit processing is over 200 days. If on PGWP, then technically he is not eligible for SOWP but who knows if IRCC will enforce.

Hi. Yes, I have PAL. The situation is- I have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy in my home country. Recently, I have been accepted into the compressed (2-year) Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Trent University, which is designed for students who already hold a prior degree in a healthcare field.

Currently, I am working as a pharmacy assistant. My husband is on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and I am on a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), which will expire in August this year.

Since this is an accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing, I am planning to switch to a study permit. As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an eligible program, I understand that my spouse may be able to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit based on my study permit.

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi. Yes, I have PAL. The situation is- I have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy in my home country. Recently, I have been accepted into the compressed (2-year) Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Trent University, which is designed for students who already hold a prior degree in a healthcare field.

Currently, I am working as a pharmacy assistant. My husband is on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and I am on a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), which will expire in August this year.

Since this is an accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing, I am planning to switch to a study permit. As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an eligible program, I understand that my spouse may be able to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit based on my study permit.

You aren't switching. You are applying for a new study permit. So you have a degree so need a strong SOP why you didn't or can't take a nursing degree outside Canada and why you MUST take the program in Canada if you have a degree in pharmacy. You are not the principal foreign applicant as you got a SOWP based on spouse's study permit. So spouse may or may not be approved for SOWP. Hopefully approved.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...s-economy/c42.html#principal-foreign-national

And you are showing $28k cash plus tuition so around $50k cash.

 

[maplelife]

Official Basis · IRCC & IRPR 179(b)
Based on IRCC's official guidelines for in-Canada applications on a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), you do NOT need to prove "intention to leave Canada" to the same extent as offshore applicants. Since you are already legally residing in Canada, visa officers will focus on:
- The validity of your study plan
- Sufficiency of your financial support
- Your ability to comply with visa terms after completing your studies

Key Assessment for Your Case
- Your current SOWP status is valid and will expire in August, which is fully compliant.
- You have a valid offer from Trent University for the September intake, but the tight timeline requires clear explanation.
- You must prove sufficient funds to cover your full tuition + approximately $28,000 CAD in annual living expenses for both you and your husband.

Practical Actionable Tips (Prioritized)
You can apply for your study permit and your husband's work permit extension **jointly**. Submitting together is recommended to keep your statuses synchronized and avoid gaps.
Your financial proof must cover: full first-year tuition at Trent University + ~$28,000 CAD annual living expenses for two people + return flight tickets.
Prepare a clear, detailed explanation covering: why you cannot complete the nursing program in your home country, your specific reasons for choosing Canada, and your post-graduation career plan.

【Disclaimer】
I am not a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) and do not offer application agency services. The above content is compiled from IRCC's publicly available information and personal experience sharing for reference only. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Please always refer to IRCC's official guidelines for your specific application.