This session has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

The international education landscape in Canada continues to evolve, with significant changes to the eligibility criteria for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP). As institutions support students and their families, understanding the approval trends and common refusal grounds is critical for providing informed guidance. This session will analyze SOWP refusal trends based on data from IRCC and discuss strategies to support applications in light of these trends. Presenters will provide insights on best practices drawing from first-hand experience and recent case law. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of SOWP refusal patterns, and actionable strategies to enhance support for international students and their families navigating the SOWP application process.