I got a study permit and my wife received SOWP ( for fall 2023). Subsequently I arrived in Canada on the study permit in September 2023 but my wife could not come with me. I violated the immigration rules by (1) not enrolling in the masters programme for which i got the study permit. (2) I worked for 6 months while not enrolled. In Spring 2024 I enrolled in the masters programme in the same university. In July, 2024 my wife joined me. After completing my first term at the university, I Withdrew and enrolled for a trade programme as I had had admission to study an 8 month course. I will be completing this trade programme at the end of April 2025. Doubting that i may be refused a pgwp, my wife secured admission for a masters programme in education, beginning spring 2025. we are about filing the application, before mid of January 2025. We intend to concurrently apply for a study permit for her and a SOWP for me. Question is, does it look like we will both be successful in our application. if not what else can we do to be successful. or what other alternatives are opened to us? I am keen on getting a work permit. I hope to get feedback from the group. Thanks in advance
SEEKING ADVICE ON SOWP APPLICATION
- Thread starter Kwabena John
- Start date
Did you notify IRCC about your change in schools and programs?
Ultimately you probably already know the answer. You violated the terms of your study permit and worked illegally. So there is a good chance there will be complications with the new applications. Your wife should be approved for the masters program provided she meets the requirements and is attending a real school (public and not private university). However you should expect the SOWP process will not be straight forward for you. Make sure you are completely honest about your history in Canada in the SOWP application or you'll be risking a misrepresentation ban.
Thanks very much for the time to share your thoughts. I sincerely appreciate it. Yes, I did update my change of schools on the IRCC Plat form. My wife is attending a public University.
Your feedback seem to suggest that there is a bearing of my violation of my study permit on my SOWP application. if yes, what provisions of the IRCC regulations justify that? Is there anything else I could do other than being honest about the application? A friend suggested a while ago that I should let my wife apply alone for now. When she is successful i can return to my home country and then apply for the SOWP. I dont think he was able to articulate his reasons to my understanding. However, I potentially can explore his suggestions except that i am not sure if that will guarantee success in my SOWP (applying form my home country) application. Your advice will be very helpful. Thanks
I'm not sure I understand your questions on what provisions in the IRCC regulations would justify your SOWP application processing being problematic. You violated the terms of your study permit and worked illegally. This impacts any application to Canada going forward. You were given a visa and then violated the terms of that visa in several ways.
There is nothing you can do that will guarantee the SOWP will be approved. You have to apply and hope for the best.
I can't comment on applying from Canada vs. your home country.