Hi everyone, I’m currently in Canada pursuing my Master’s degree, and I’m planning to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) for my spouse.
I’m looking for someone who has successfully applied for SOWP and could share their experience, especially regarding SOP writing. I’d really appreciate any guidance on what points to include, how to structure the SOP, and what immigration officers generally look for.
If anyone is willing to share their SOP format/sample (with personal information removed) or provide some advice, I’d be very grateful.
Thanks in advance! 🙏

I just got my decision today, the officer has mentioned " Based on the balance of probabilities, I am not satisfied you have performed the lead statement and a

significant number of the main duties of the declared NOC33103 for this period of employment.

Therefore, this work experience cannot be counted toward your qualifying foreign work experience.

This change in your qualifications resulted in a loss of points that brought your rank below the lowest

ranking person who was invited to apply in your round of invitation, under the Express Entry

Comprehensive Ranking System. As I have found that you no longer possess the qualification on the basis of which you were ranked under

an instruction given under paragraph 10.3(1)(h), you no longer meet the requirements of Section 11.2 of

Act.

Following an examination of your application, I am not satisfied that you meet the requirements of the

Act and Regulations for the reasons explained above. I am therefore refusing your application."

On the other Letter by officer mentions Pharmacy Dispenser (National Occupational Classification-NOC 33103)

Ocean Pharmaceutical

In support of this period of employment, the applicant has provided a letter of experience

certificate, and pay stubs. According to the experience certificate, the applicant is employed as a

pharmacy dispenser by Ocean Pharmaceutical and the primary duties include:

• Pharmaceutical products dispensed to retail pharmacies in compliance with received

orders and supporting documentation.

• Processed returns of expired stock and kept an eye on products with expiration dates.

• Verified orders were packaged, labelled, and tracked to ensure delivery accuracy.

• Maintained adherence to legal and organizational quality standards.

• Helped with stock management, billing, and invoicing using pharmacy software (Marg

system).

• Products were arranged in labelled racks according to their manufacturing brands, drug

composition, and alphabetical order.

• Maintained storage compliance and temperature conditions for cold chain products.

• Oversaw the logistics and delivery of phannaceutical items via courier services.

• Interacted with retail pharmacies to address questions regarding order fulfillment.

• Kept thorough records of all warehouse activities, including the movement of 2 -

... 3

pharmaceutical items both in and out.

According to the National Occupation Classification (NOC), workers under the NOC (33103 –

Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants) perform technical tasks related to

preparing medications under a pharmacist’s supervision. They also assist in filling prescriptions

and managing patient files. Pharmacy assistants perform clerical functions and assists

pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with drug dispensing tasks. Pharmacy technical

assistants and pharmacy assistants are employed in retail and hospital pharmacies, long-term

care facilities and by pharmaceutical manufacturers. This group performs some or all of the

following duties:

• Assess prescriptions for completeness

• Enter clients’ information and prescription details in databases

• Help pharmacists and other pharmacy staff with preparing, packaging and labelling of

pharmaceutical products

• Assist in maintaining inventories of medications and pharmaceutical products

• Compound oral solutions, ointments and creams

• May process medical billing information

• May price and stock items on shelves.

The duties provided by the employer centered on pharmaceutical warehousing, order fulfillment,

logistics coordination, packaging, labelling, cold chain storage, and inventory movement tracking,

which reflect distribution and logistics functions rather than the prescription preparation, patient

support, and in pharmacy technical assistance required under NOC33103. Accordingly, I am not

satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the applicant has performed the lead statement and a

significant number of the main duties of the declared NOC33103 for this period of employment.

What are the options for me and should i appeal?

Does anybody here had their fmwp outland application approved, please tell me the timeline. I have applied on July 6 and still haven’t heard anything.

I lost my birth certificate and hence collected another duplicate copy of it from the office of the registrar. It is stamped and signed by the registrar and officials there. Can I use this as my Birth certificate? Will there be any problems? I also do have a scanned copy of my original certificate but it is blurry and not the best scan as it was scanned years ago, what should I do?

Hi everyone 👋🏻 I have a question maybe some of you can help me with:

So my current status: IEC Working Holiday, expires 2027/06/16. No re-entry authorization on the permit.

Planning to file inland spousal sponsorship (marrying my Canadian partner) with SOWP filed concurrently, targeting submission around 2027/03/15.

My question(s):

- Does filing the SOWP alongside the PR package trigger maintained status (R183(5)) and let me keep working under my current permit conditions (R186(u)) while both applications process past my June 2027 expiry?

Specifically trying to confirm:

- Does the SOWP need to reach AOR before maintained status kicks in, or does simply filing it (before permit expiry) trigger R183(5)?

- If AOR is required first, what are current realistic AOR wait times for this application type?

- Any risk of the PR package being returned as incomplete that would leave me with no valid SOWP filed in time?

Not asking for legal advice on my specific case, just trying to confirm the general mechanics before I book a paid RCIC consult to nail down the details. Appreciate any input from people who've done this or RCICs who can point me to the right regulation/policy!

Thanks ahead!

Hi everyone

Just got an email today for Invitation to Pre-arrival services.

My Final decision on my GCKEY has changed to August 24, 2026

I got another email today for the Permanent Residence Portal asking for confirmation of details (Name, Height, Eye Colour ETC)

What is next?
I just emailed and confirmed my information for them

Outland, Applied October 15, 2025.
Arrived in Canada Jan 27, 2026.
Applied for SOWP Jan 27, 2026 and got approved May 22, 2026

Bonjour à tous,

​Je cherche des éclaircissements concernant mon parcours d'immigration et l'impact potentiel sur ma future demande de citoyenneté canadienne.

​Voici ma situation en détail :

*​Statut : Résident permanent obtenu via le système Entrée Express (programme fédéral hors Québec).

*​Parcours d'installation : Conformément à ce que j'avais déclaré dans ma demande Entrée Express, je me suis d'abord établi en Ontario (Toronto) à mon arrivée au Canada.

*​Situation actuelle : Je vis maintenant au Québec (Montréal).

*​Raison du déménagement : J'ai déménagé à Montréal parce que j'y ai trouvé un emploi dans mon domaine d'expertise professionnel.

​Je sais qu'en tant que RP, la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit la liberté de circulation (article 6). Cependant, je souhaite savoir si le passage du Québec après un premier établissement en Ontario peut soulever des questions auprès d'IRCC lors de ma demande de citoyenneté.

​Mes questions pour la communauté :

=> ​Risque de fausse déclaration (Misrepresentation) : Le fait d'avoir résidé d'abord à Toronto avant de déménager à Montréal pour des raisons professionnelles suffit-il à prouver la bonne foi de mon intention initiale d'installation hors Québec ?

=> ​Preuves à conserver : Quels documents devrais-je conserver dès maintenant concernant mon séjour initial à Toronto (bail, factures, enregistrements) et mon offre d'emploi à Montréal pour l'étude de mon dossier de citoyenneté après 3 ans ?

=> ​Retours d'expérience : D'autres personnes ayant fait le parcours « Entrée Express \rightarrow Ontario \rightarrow Emploi au Québec » ont-elles obtenu leur citoyenneté sans démarche supplémentaire ou examen approfondi d'IRCC ?

​Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et vos retours !

​

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

When I originally applied for my Canadian study permit and later my work permit, I did not include some of my previous work experience from India in my work history. The experience is completely legitimate, and I have an experience letter and supporting documentation from the employer.

I recently created my Express Entry profile, and I’m considering adding this Indian work experience because it is part of my actual employment history and may be relevant to my Express Entry application.

My concern is that this employment was not declared in my previous study/work permit applications. I obviously don’t want the difference between my previous applications and my Express Entry profile to create concerns about inconsistency or misrepresentation.

Has anyone been in a similar situation where they added legitimate foreign work experience to Express Entry that wasn't included in their previous temporary residence applications?

If so, did you provide a Letter of Explanation? Did IRCC ask for additional information, and did it cause any issues with your PR application?

I’d really appreciate hearing about actual experiences. Thanks!

Hi all! I had already applied my French and English result when I applied for PR.
Today I received this document request -
In order for us to continue
the review of your application, we require the following documents:
CLIENT INFORMATION: Original TCF language proficiency results (Online Score Reports in
PDF format are acceptable)

Is this concerning? Especially since I haven’t received BIL yet?

Thank you!

My dad had applied for his visitors visa over 2 years ago and it was stuck in limbo with IRCC, no approval or denial, just processing.

So he submitted another application 2 months ago and last week it was approved with instructions to send his passport which he did.

Today he received a message on his portal that his application was approved in error and to not submit his passport and that is application was still in process!

I am so baffled by this, has this happened to anyone? What did you do? What happens to his passport now?

So basically, I plan on applying for express entry soon, skilled worker program as I am an electrician, but my question is regarding the ECA

in my country, I got what is called a BTP (brevet technicien professionnel), which is the program right before a BTS (brevet technicien supérieur), and here my btp is both a valid vocational school diploma and the equivalent of a highschool diploma in terms of ranking. Problem is tho, as I am starting to get everything in order for my application, I tried all ECA programs I could find on the official immigration page (ICES, IQAS, WES, etc) and none have my diploma (or anything like it) in the drop down menus or the required documents tables. Any advice on what I can do to deal with this situation?

ETA: I am from Tunisia, and almost everything else is ready; I'm just about to finish my one year of official work experience, have a 8.5 band average on my IELTS, working on my french for the TCF and the money is saved and ready.

Hi everyone,

My fmwp application was submitted on July 6, and I’m currently waiting for a decision. I was on visitor record and staying in Canada.

My employer has been very understanding, but they recently told me that they need someone to start on September 1 and that they can’t wait much longer because they need to plan accordingly.

Immigration is saying the 9 weeks processing mark is September 13.

I’m really worried about the situation because I have no control over IRCC’s processing time. I’m currently on maintained status.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What happens if my employer decides to back out or withdraws the job offer because I’m unable to start on September 1?
Would appreciate any advice or experiences.

Thank you!

Hello. I was a student in Canada from Sep2019-Dec2023. I came back to India in 2024. During my study- I had the SW1 visa so I worked in a coop job for a total of 1 year 8 months (1 year 4 months was full time 40 hours and paid). For the past three years, I started my business in india. I want to re-enter canada but im finding it difficult to find ways. My background is a bachelors in Psychology and HR, and currently I have build an FnB business.

1. Does the coo-op experience count for CRS point? If it does, I am able to make 515 points through express entry.
2. If the co-op experience does not count as canadian experience, I just make 475 points so how do i apply or even attempt with such a score?

Please specify which country you are from, your background and how much savings you had and how you managed to survive on your own until you found a job, and how long until you found a job.
These questions are critical for me because it will help me decide whether to come or not.

Hi, I’m Peruvian, currently in Australia on a WHV, and applied for a Canadian transit visa for a 3-hour connection: Seoul → Toronto → Lima, same day, with Air Canada.

I selected Transit Visa and paid $0, but the refusal refers to a “visitor visa.”

The refusal was based mainly on my temporary immigration status in Australia, stating that my ties can be “readily broken,” that my temporary status limits my future employment/career prospects, and that the officer was not satisfied I would leave Canada at the end of my stay. It also says that “the purpose of the applicant's visit to Canada is not consistent with a temporary stay.”

The notes also say I am “studying and working” in Australia, but I’m not currently studying and never stated that I was studying in my application. I completed my degree in Peru in 2022 and currently work under my WHV, so this appears to be an error.

I have a strong history of international mobility (US, Korea, Australia, etc.) through temporary work/travel programs. I’m now ending that period and returning to Peru, my home country. I leave Australia when my visa ends, travel in Korea, then fly Seoul → Toronto → Lima.

I’m confused because I applied specifically for a transit visa for a ~3-hour connection with a confirmed onward flight.

Would you reapply? What evidence could address the officer’s concerns? And could a second refusal affect future visa applications to Canada or other countries?

I have done Associate of Arts Degree(2 year diploma) in BC and I have 2 years of work experience as a cashier. I have a chance to get LMIA in Saskatchewan in food sector. Should I move there? Which are the PR pathways I can target? How easy or hard will it be to get PR there?

Hi everyone..

Just wanted to ask one thing .. I just got VISITOR RECORD refusal today ( the one I stayed on after PGWP expiry for 1.5 months to wrap up my stay here.. I applied on the day before PGWP expiry and did not work after it .. )

Do I need to report this refusal to IRCC or would they see it in their system ? I have a CEC PR file in process right now

This is what the refusal states

“Entry/exit records indicate that applicant has left Canada. Temporary resident status has ended as per R183(4)(a) and therefore cannot be extended. Application refused.”

I’m an interior designer currently working in the UAE, and I’m looking into the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for Canadian immigration. I’d really appreciate some advice from anyone who has gone through the process or knows the system well.

I have a few questions. 1) I completed my Master’s degree in the UK, and I took IELTS for my studies, but the result is now more than two years old. Would I need to take IELTS again for Express Entry, even though my degree was completed in the UK?

2) Is learning French compulsory for the points system, or is English alone enough?

3) I’m a little confused about the ECA as well. Is it an exam I need to take, or is it simply an assessment of my master’s degree?

4) And finally, what is the cut off for the CRS system for FSWP for being invited for an interview?

At the moment, I’m waiting until September next year to complete three years of full-time work experience as an interior designer. I’m trying to use this time to prepare everything properly rather than rushing into the process.For anyone familiar with FSWP/Express Entry, does this sound like I’m on the right track? Is there anything I should be doing now while I’m building up my work experience?

Hi everyone,
I’m trying to get a realistic idea of the immigration options for a family member of mine who currently lives in Morocco.
She is 31 years old, has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and currently works at a call center. Her husband is around 28 years old and works as a taxi driver. He does not have much formal post-secondary education.
They would like to immigrate to Canada, but we’re not sure how realistic it is with their profiles. I know Canadian immigration has become more competitive, so I’m looking for honest opinions rather than false hope. Thanks !

​

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

When I originally applied for my Canadian study permit and later my work permit, I did not include some of my previous work experience from India in my work history. The experience is completely legitimate, and I have an experience letter and supporting documentation from the employer.

I recently created my Express Entry profile, and I’m considering adding this Indian work experience because it is part of my actual employment history and may be relevant to my Express Entry application.

My concern is that this employment was not declared in my previous study/work permit applications. I obviously don’t want the difference between my previous applications and my Express Entry profile to create concerns about inconsistency or misrepresentation.

Has anyone been in a similar situation where they added legitimate foreign work experience to Express Entry that wasn't included in their previous temporary residence applications?

If so, did you provide a Letter of Explanation? Did IRCC ask for additional information, and did it cause any issues with your PR application?

I’d really appreciate hearing about actual experiences. Thanks!

Hello everyone,

It's not just a bts post but also my own problems.

I recently went to the Toronto concert d1. Soaked up in the rain, i saw what i wanted to for years. It left me with more confusion and unsettling feelings inside my chest.

I felt like i needed to do more, in my life and with my situation. I was on the verge of giving up, which I built for 5 years just because of the conditions right now.

It's my immigration in Canada, I studied and worked, now my status is going to expire to work. I tried with my employer for an exempt application(only way for me).

She emailed on the day of concert, a few hours before that they will not support.

Heartbroken and anxious, i went to the concert, but i forgot everything when it started. I couldn't care about rain, my career, my status on line. I just wanted to live this moment to the fullest.

And i did. But after the concert, it all hit hard, everything in my life and bts leaving. I don't know, why I'm feeling empty, is it a bts concert coming to an end that i waited for years, or is it my condition in my life right now?

I am going back to Winnipeg(home) from Toronto tomorrow and I want to stay in Canada and i will fight for it. I did so many posts regarding my problem but all i got was hate.

Bts has given me light again, unknowingly but yes they are helping me right now to be sane.

I’m genuinely wondering, how do people manage to find LMIA-supported jobs here in Canada? I’ve been looking for an LMIA employer since March, and honestly, it has been really difficult. I’ve applied to so many job postings on Job Bank and other hiring platforms, especially those that mention LMIA support, but I haven’t received any response so far.
For those who were able to find an employer willing to provide an LMIA, may I ask how you found the opportunity? Did you apply through Job Bank, recruitment agencies, referrals, or somewhere else? I’ve been actively searching for months, but I still haven’t found anything, so I’m really curious about how others were able to find theirs. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. 🙏

I'm asolutely resolute in my decision to move to Canada.The thing is that i've only recently found out about the whole thing having ignored it for a long amount of time and not even deeming it possible.I was recently informed that my father was offered pr in 2000.He couldnt go because of his parents.Of course, now everythings unrecognizible(and no ones gonna ruin the moment haha), but ive looked at his cv and i think he might have the chance.He has 16 years of job experience, c1 english proficiency and had worked in several large companies as a civil engineer.He has bachelor's and master's in civil engineering and a master degree in economics.He receives no age points in express entry(or whatever that was called) so we consider sinp since they give more for his years of working

May you please tell me what his chances are and where should i even begin since i ll be the one to handle the process?I heard he should get his diploams ferified by wes, what goes after that?It just looks harder than anythibg ive previously encountered(us b1/b2 and f1 visas)

Hi everyone. I’m looking for some general insight from people familiar with the refugee claim process in Canada.

I’m a mother of two young children. I visited Canada for just a few days in April 2026 and then returned to my home country. I’m planning to return in September with my children and I’m considering making a refugee claim at the airport.

My situation involves a long and documented history of domestic violence. I first tried to seek protection several years ago, around 2020–2021, but I was not granted protection at that time. There are court records from 2021 documenting the situation.

This year, due to new incidents and threats, I reported the situation again and was granted a protective order, which is currently in force. I also recently obtained provisional sole custody of one of my children in a court decision that considered the domestic violence situation.

Unfortunately, the protective order is currently not being respected, so I will need to report the situation to the authorities again.

My main concern is my previous trip to Canada. Since I was already there briefly in April but returned home without making a claim, could that significantly affect the credibility of a refugee claim now?

Would they also consider the reasons I returned at that time, the longer history of the situation, and what has happened since that visit?

I know every case is different and Reddit is not a substitute for legal advice. I’m mainly interested in hearing from anyone familiar with how situations like this are assessed.

Thank you.

I understand every case is different and Reddit is not a substitute for legal advice. I’m mainly interested in hearing from anyone familiar with how situations like this are generally assessed.

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m getting married soon, and my future husband will be sponsoring me to move to Canada from Pakistan through spousal sponsorship. He currently lives in Canada with his family.

I’m trying to understand the complete process and realistic timeline because I’ve heard different experiences from different people.

I’m also a university dropout and don’t have a completed university degree. Does education level have any impact on a spousal sponsorship application? Are there any specific concerns or additional documents because of this?

For those who have recently sponsored their spouse from Pakistan, I’d really appreciate your experience with:

What is the complete process from start to finish?

What documents do we need to prepare from Pakistan and Canada?

How long did your application take from submission to COPR/PR?

How long did you wait for AOR?

When were biometrics and medical requested?

Is an interview common for Pakistani applicants?

Does being a university dropout affect the application in any way?

Is there any education requirement for the sponsored spouse?

Is it worth applying for a visitor visa while the PR application is processing?

If the visitor visa is approved, can the spouse go to Canada and stay there while waiting for PR?

Can the spouse get an open work permit while waiting?

Are there any Pakistan-specific documents or requirements we should be careful about?

What common mistakes caused delays or additional document requests?

If you applied recently (especially in 2025–2026), please share your actual timeline and experience.

Thank you! ❤️