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Coming to Canada on a Study Permit? Your Spouse May Get Permanent Residence Before You

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Coming to Canada on a Study Permit? Your Spouse May Get Permanent Residence Before You

Most people assume that the international student is the first in a family to qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. In reality, with the right strategy, a spouse on a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) can become PR-eligible years earlier than the studying partner.

This lesser-known pathway is especially powerful for couples planning to immigrate through Express Entry, where Canadian work experience and language skills can dramatically increase Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.

How Studying in Canada Can Fast-Track Your Spouse’s PR

When a foreign national comes to Canada on a study permit in a qualifying program, their spouse may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This allows the non-studying spouse to work full-time for almost any employer in Canada.

While one partner studies, the other can:

  • Gain valuable Canadian work experience

  • Improve English or French language scores

  • Build eligibility under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In longer study programs—such as four-year bachelor’s degrees or multi-year master’s programs—the working spouse may even receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR before the student graduates.

Why the Spouse Often Becomes the Stronger PR Candidate

Canada’s Express Entry system rewards applicants who have:

  • Canadian work experience

  • High language test scores

  • Skilled employment in eligible NOC categories

A spouse working on an SOWP can accumulate these points much faster than a full-time student.

📉 Recent data shows:

  • CEC draw cut-offs: around 509–534

  • Candidates with multiple years of Canadian experience often cross this threshold sooner

This makes the working spouse a more competitive principal applicant for PR, even if the student has higher education credentials.

What Happens After Graduation?

After completing their studies, the international student may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—often valid for up to three years.

At that stage:

  • The working spouse can apply for a new SOWP as the spouse of a skilled foreign worker

  • Both partners may continue working legally in Canada

  • The couple gains additional time to qualify for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

If a PR application is submitted and still in process, the principal applicant may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), extending work authorization even further.

With proper planning, couples can secure 5–7 years of continuous legal status and work experience in Canada—more than enough time to obtain PR.

Study Programs That Make Spouses Eligible for SOWP

To qualify for an SOWP, the studying spouse must be enrolled in a recognized, eligible program, including:

  • Master’s degree programs (16 months or longer)

  • Doctoral (PhD) programs

  • Certain professional degree programs, such as:

    • Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy

    • Nursing

    • Engineering

    • Law

    • Education

It is also critical that the study program is PGWP-eligible, especially if long-term settlement is the goal.

Key Considerations Couples Must Plan Carefully

✔ After graduation, the student must secure employment in a qualifying TEER 0, 1, or eligible TEER 2/3 occupation for the spouse to continue holding an SOWP
✔ Licensing or credential recognition may be required depending on the job
✔ Language tests, work history, and documentation must align perfectly with Express Entry rules

This is where professional immigration guidance becomes essential.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Planning a study-to-PR strategy for couples requires precision. ICC Immigration helps families choose stable, lawful pathways that lead to long-term success in Canada—without unnecessary risk.

Our Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and spousal pathways

  • Work Permits and Study Permits designed to create PR eligibility

  • Family Sponsorship Applications to reunite loved ones in Canada

  • Expert Legal Immigration Advice to ensure compliance with IRCC rules and maximize success

Instead of relying on uncertain or risky alternatives, take control of your future with a pathway that offers stability, security, and a clear route to Permanent Residency in Canada.

Whether you’re already in Canada or planning your immigration journey, ICC Immigration is ready to guide you every step of the way.