Husband Studying, Wife Gets PR: How Spouses Can Secure Permanent Residency in Canada

Many students traveling to Canada for higher education bring their spouses along. While the student’s path to permanent residency (PR) may take time, their spouse can often obtain PR sooner, thanks to Canada’s immigration policies.

How It Works
A student studying in Canada on a study permit may enroll in a course eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP). In such cases, the accompanying spouse can receive a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This allows the spouse to work full-time in Canada, gaining valuable Canadian work experience, even while the student is still completing their studies.

Path to Permanent Residency (PR)
Canada’s Express Entry Program manages applications for PR, with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream specifically for those with Canadian work experience. By working on an SOWP, the spouse earns Canadian work experience, which makes them eligible to apply for PR under the CEC—even if the student has not yet completed their course.

Example Scenario
Suresh enrolls in a two-year master’s program at a Canadian university and receives a study permit. He brings his wife, Sunita, along. While Suresh studies, Sunita receives a SOWP and works as an industrial designer for a Canadian company.

By gaining Canadian work experience, Sunita becomes eligible for PR under the CEC stream. She completes her language test, gets her Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done, and creates her Express Entry profile. She also mentions that her husband is currently studying in Canada.

After Suresh completes his degree, he receives a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for three years and starts working as a software developer. Meanwhile, Sunita applies for a new SOWP, valid for the duration of her husband’s PGWP. After working on SOWP for a total of three years, Sunita gains enough Canadian experience to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

In this scenario, while Suresh continues his work on PGWP, Sunita can secure permanent residency in Canada ahead of him.

Key Takeaways

• Spouses accompanying international students can get a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
• Working on SOWP helps earn Canadian work experience, crucial for PR under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• PR approval is possible even before the student completes their course.
• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) extend work eligibility for the student, which in turn allows the spouse to extend SOWP.

This pathway provides a faster route for spouses to settle permanently in Canada, highlighting the advantages of studying in the country with family.