Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) Timelines in Quebec
- Thread starter tea_1984
- Start date
Hi there - I'm trying to figure out what steps of the PR process are required for the spousal OWP and also if there is any way beyond the IRCC form to request information. Here is my timeline:
On the online tracker, it says my biometrics are "in progress" but I never received a BIL for either my PR or OWP. Are biometrics required for American principle applicants? I submitted a form online to ask whether the biometrics were required for my OWP as I have not received a request and I got a generic response back saying my application is in progress and not action needed from my end.
I was at the border two weeks ago and asked a border agent if they could look up my application, and they said my OWP hasn't started progressing yet. They couldn't do anything from there though beyond look up the status.
I know the PR application is going to take forever as I'm applying in land from Quebec, but 3 months seems like a long time with no update on the OWP (I'm seeing people getting OWP in a month or so). Maybe the medical results will push something along? I uploaded the case file they sent me to the IRCC website, but the official results won't be sent to IRCC for another 10 days or so.
Does anyone have any advice or insights? I've seen people talk about calling IRCC but when I do this I can't get beyond the automated messaging system. Thank you!
- February 29th - applied for PR under Family Sponsorship class
- March 19th - received AOR
- March 21st - applied for OWP using AOR
- March 26th - submitted undertaking application at the Province of Quebec level
- End of April - Undertaking application was mailed back as a document was incorrect. Re-mailed this with a new credit card form.
- May 24th - received the Accuse de Reception from the Province of Quebec and card was charged
- June 4th - Medical request for PR application
- June 18th - Medical appointment for PR application - submitted the form to IRCC
On the online tracker, it says my biometrics are "in progress" but I never received a BIL for either my PR or OWP. Are biometrics required for American principle applicants? I submitted a form online to ask whether the biometrics were required for my OWP as I have not received a request and I got a generic response back saying my application is in progress and not action needed from my end.
I was at the border two weeks ago and asked a border agent if they could look up my application, and they said my OWP hasn't started progressing yet. They couldn't do anything from there though beyond look up the status.
I know the PR application is going to take forever as I'm applying in land from Quebec, but 3 months seems like a long time with no update on the OWP (I'm seeing people getting OWP in a month or so). Maybe the medical results will push something along? I uploaded the case file they sent me to the IRCC website, but the official results won't be sent to IRCC for another 10 days or so.
Does anyone have any advice or insights? I've seen people talk about calling IRCC but when I do this I can't get beyond the automated messaging system. Thank you!
Hello,
Thank you so much for sharing your timeline!!
And OMG congratulations on SOWP! I was extremely confused about the timing and type of AOR that can be used for SOWP application, some say you have to wait for AIP letter first...
My timeline is very close to yours, applied at the beginning of April and then as soon as my sponsor has received the AOR - SOWP was submitted. Considering the processing times, I should expect mine in a few weeks +/-...
One question to you, what is the lenght of the OWP? I can not find any information about it ( unless I do not look at the right places, which is quite possible, cause this whole proccess in QC drives you insane at one point). Just to have an idea what to expect...
Would really appreciate your feedback.
Thank you!
Hi there! I think normally OWPs are awarded for 2 years. They are linked to your passport though, so since my passport expires in November 2025, my work permit expires on the same date. I hope this helps!
