The Canadian government now focuses on the advantages of their migrants. For those people who are waiting for a decision on their application for spousal or common-law sponsorship, the Canadian government offers them an open work permit.
The SOWP (Spousal Open Work Permit) provides the opportunity to work while the immigration application is processing.
Some major benefits of getting SOWP are given below:
Work full time in Canada while you wait
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) take about 12 months to process a sponsorship application. SOWP can work anywhere or stay anywhere in Canada while they are waiting for a decision.
Eligible to work anywhere
A Closed work permit allows foreign nationals to work for only one employer or one type of occupation, but residents with open work permits have the freedom to do any job for any employer in Canada.
Additionally, SOWP holder employers can skip the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
Eligible to live with your partner
Without completing the process of SOWP or another form of temporary status, spousal sponsorship applicants would not be eligible to live together with their partners outside of Canada, but in Canada, SOWP makes it easier for couples to live together while their application is in process.
Acquire Canadian experience
One of the benefits of SOWP is that you can get Canadian work experience before you become a permanent resident of Canada. Acquiring Canadian work experience is beneficial for your career growth in Canada. If you already have some work experience in Canada you can earn more after getting the PR of Canada.
Moreover, living in Canada provides you with more opportunities to network, improve your language skills and create meaningful relationships.
What is the Eligibility of the SOWP
To be eligible for SOWP, the foreign partner should already have temporary status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.
There are some requirements candidates should meet to get SOWP:
- The candidate should submit a PR application under the Spouse Common-Law Partner Class.
- For Candidates who have submitted an application for sponsorship, their spouse must be a Canadian citizen or have a permanent resident visa.
- Candidates must live at the same address as the sponsor.
- Must have a copy of a valid spouse’s offer letter or contract.
Those applicants who have already received approval for their permanent residence can apply for SOWP online.
To get the approval in principle, the spouse and partner have to pass the medical, security, and background checks.
You can apply for the SOWP extension before the expiry date if the decision of SOWP has not been made.
If you are eligible to get SOWP then you should apply for this. If you get the SOWP then it can be a major advantage for your career.
