₦airaland Forum

Sevenody:
Guys, does it mean that I must have an NOC AOB employment before i apply for my spouse?
Im still a student here on study permit naa.

It does not apply to you if you are still a student. It applies to PGWP holders

So what happened to the remaining June and the July applications? I can see from the timeline that Eneyedan applied in August, nawa ooo.

eneyedan:
I was finally delayed today reason is that my spouse doesn't have employment in NOC a o c that's the only reason, but I just got my American visit visa on Monday so what should be the next line of action

So sorry about your delay. The bright side is that you can still visit if you apply as a visitor from the US since it is faster or like others have said reapply via paper when your spouse gets a job which is way faster than online, good luck!.


I see you applied in August, did you do upfront medicals?

singlenigerian:
I have been following this thread with keen interest this year as I use it as a way to track the processing process for SOWP.
However I have a question. We have our applications sent to Ghana for online processing right?
Does anyone know why it takes 5 weeks to process Ghana applications and 28 weeks to process Nigerian applications? Especially since it is the same centre?
Not trying to be an alarmist, but then can anyone actually contact them to find out why? Have not gotten a response from the site yet

I applied on the 14 of October, Biometrics on the 19th of October. Medicals upfront.

I am not sure that all online SOWP applications are processed in Ghana, I know when my spouse applied the confirmation message said "...your application is being processed in the Lagos centre....." it had the CALA... tracking id. I do not understand the HUGE processing time difference as well, Perhaps they have way too many applications from Nigeria relative to Ghana? It is quite frustrating but then what can we do but wait and hope for the best?

eridemilade:
Pp request oooooooo
Thank God!!!!!!!!
Biometrics: may 13, 2016
Medical November 23,2016
Pp request: january 16,2017
8 good months all in all I give God the glory.

Congratulations

Ruth222:
1. Eridemilade: biometrics may 13, Medicals November 25, Medicals passed
2. bosypumping : biometrics may 18,upfront Medicals
3. Edoblakky : biometrics June
4. Boladan : biometrics June 7
5. Mbogi : biometrics july1
6.Housewife1 : biometrics July 8, upfront Medicals
7.Ruth 222: biometrics July 8, upfront Medicals
8. Eneyedan: biometrics August 3,
9. kasco2pro : biometrics August 16, upfront Medicals
10.ceekoneal: biometrics August 28,
11.Ell707: biometrics September 21 ,
12.Taimie : biometrics October 10,
13.Toluberry: biometrics October 17, Medicals passed
14.Justicia: biometrics December 29,(paper route)

15.Jpepper: Biometrics Aug 3 online

Gymme:
You've got two options. One way is to email the additional documents to Accra.

The other way is by using Web Form (NO NEED to log in to your CIC online account to do this). The web form process will ask for your application number, UCI number, applicant's full name etc. You also have the choice to attach additional documents during this process before you finally submit your inquiry.

Thanks!!

Gymme:
Yes you can send them the newly approved PGWP and through Web form since you applied online for your SOWP or simply email it to Accra. However, to be on a safe side, i would advise you/she also include a copy her job offer letter in NOC O, A, or B category. Also, include recent payslips from the job.

@Gymme, please can you provide guidance on how to do update the application with new docs online? I tried to do that but could not find an option to update application or add more documents. Thanks

Ruth222:
Gurus in the house oo. Please answer

The house's input would be appreciated as I am in a similar situation, I have finished school and just got my work permit which of course could not be included in my husband's application when we applied in August as I was still in school. As per @IS2BE's comment, I am also of the opinion that the VO might be looking for evidence of a job in the specified NOC categories once they see that the status has changed from "student" to "worker"

What I did was to include my job offer letter in my PGWP application (in December) with the hope that they will check my profile and see that I have a job should they require that information while reviewing hubby's application. I will appreciate any advice on how to update his application with the latest development as the option does not exist in his CIC account. One must not wait in vain o.

Ruth222:
Paper route is the best for now.

I am so upset, it is unfair! Shey we will not light candle for this CIC matter like this? Seven red candles.

Hm, these people are just doing anyhow, from 23 weeks back to 26 again.

nam16:
1..an SOWP holder can study for 6mth or less without study permit if more, study permit is require and cant be obtain while in canada..
2...an SOWP should be a able to get a job within a mth except you live in the village or you are being selective..
3... Don't worry about job issue, with your SOWP. job is not that difficult....
4... SOWP is different from Work Permit...an SOWP can still study and obtain Work Permit there after

Thank you so much for this info!

Congratulations again to those who have received approval,for those of us still waiting we will hear good news by God's grace, it will be worth the wait.

I was hoping we could share ideas on helping our spouses settle down(i.e getting a job) when they arrive. I have heard that Canadian employers prefer to hire candidates who have a certificate(or work experience) from Canada I do not know how true this is. Perhaps the industry matters; People in the IT industry may not have this issue but maybe other fields like finance for example?

Another issue I want to bring up is the possibility of applying for a study permit should one's spouse decide to further their education if a job is not forthcoming soon enough? Is this possible considering that they migrated on the basis of a work permit? If they are able to obtain a study permit after arriving in Canada, what happens after the study? I think I read somewhere that work permit is only issued once, so does this mean they would have to return home after their study since they may be unable to secure another work permit? Or will the first one be disregarded since it was never really used?

I guess my "story" above boils down to one question "How easy has it been/is it for people who migrate to Canada on work permit to secure a job"?

I would appreciate the house's opinion on these issues possibly sharing of experiences too. Thanks

Gymme:
Application closed and approved at last! Big puff of relief!

Congratulations, nice holiday gift for you!

Processing time is now 23 weeks

Ruth222:
Congrats ma! It seems like paper rout is faster

Just one month! Look at us waiting for 6 months!! Nawa ooo

Adagody:
Hi everyone, I stumbled on this forum 2 days ago when I tracked my application and on cic website, it said 'final decision not started' but vfs said my passport was ready for collection. I was confused and scared and started checking online to see if that was normal. Thank God today I collected and my sowp was approved.

Timeline
1/11/16: submitted paper route
18/11/16: medical mail
24/11/16: medical done at consultant practice
1/12/16: medical passed update on cic
6/12/16: tracked via and said ready to pick
8/12/17: collected my visa at vfs lagos

Documents submitted
Applicable cic forms
My SOA
Hubby's SOA
My dad's SOA (was co sponsor for hubby)
Police clearance
Marriage cert
Change of name copy
Tax receipts for my shop
SOP stating Mum in law will take care of my shop in my absence
Letter from my hubby's Nigeria employer.

Other documents
Hubby's study permit,
Letter from international students office in his school
Rent reciept
Passport data page
Social insurance in canada
School fees reciept
Confirmation of enrollment
Letter of invite

I give God all the glory.

Thank God!!I am so so so happy for you, you must be very happy!!! Ah the joy in my heart when my hubby gets his SOWP *wipes tears. lol, I am a drama queen

Seriously, the waiting is quite frustrating, so many plans on hold because of this issue. One cannot even have solid plans!

Was only trying to make light of this situation, that is the least of my issues right now. God dey sha

Housewife1:
Carry your konji commot from here.
Like say na konji dey do persin, smh.

eneyedan:
the processing time is now 25 weeks not 26 anymore.

Hello my fellow konji people.

We shall hear good news soon. God bless y'all!

Okay on a lighter note, Edoblakky stop hiding behind your son, Ruth22, eridemilade all of you guys that applied for spousal work permit we all know say na konji wan kill you people, na that be the koko of the matter abi I lie? You people should lead a protest to their Lekki office o "SAY NO TO KONJI".

It is well, we will all hear good news in the end by His grace.

@nifeicon

Gymme is right, your case is similar to mine. My spouse applied for SOWP in August and was only called for biometrics. We did not know the process was going to take this long. In order to rectify the situation, even though my course was supposed to finish in December, i finished early this month( I had met my completion requirements) and had to quickly apply for a work permit( with letter from my school that I had completed my course requirements, was eligible to graduate etc etc. I also included a job offer since I had an offer already). I am yet to receive my work permit and I honestly do not know what the implication of this will be on my spouse's application but I am hoping they will review my file when they review my spouse's and verify that even though I am done with school, my spouse is still eligible since I have applied for PGWP, that too with a job offer. We could not include this info in my spouse's application in August because I was still in school then and could not graduate.

All the best!

Gymme:
I will encourage you to apply for SOWP now and if it is still in process after your studies, they might ask for your PGWP and letter of employment in NOC skill level O, A or B. So if you are sure of the job prospect in your area, you can proceed with the application.

Or better still you wait until you get your PGWP and a job in any of the skill level before you apply.

As for Visiting visa, i think it requires a strong home tie for your husband. Common example is if he has his personal business in Nigeria or he earns large pay/salary every month. You can check the visiting forum/trend for more info.

Ruth222:
June/ July next ooo . Amen

Big ameeeeen to that!

Ruth222:
Please does anyone know how long it takes to withdraw An application?

Don't give up now

Chrissybaybee:
Thanks. I'll check them out now. Hope they will return the passport o. That means I'll have to hand carry my admission letter and few other documents.

ofcourse they will, they will staple your study permit to your passport, that is why they collect it. NEVER leave your documents in your checked in luggage, always have them in your hand luggage. if you are booking a connecting flight, be sure to confirm if you need to transfer your luggage by yourself or not, otherwise you may arrive Canada with no bags

Chrissybaybee:
Hello House
Please who knows how & where I can get a cheap flight to Toronto against 28th of December? Please don't tell me to check wakanow because their prices are outrageous. Also, to those who just picked up their passports, my passport was dispatched on Monday, when can I pick it up? Lastly, those already in Canada, what are we likely to face at the point of entry?

Try Flighthub, CheapOair, Expedia, Gala travels. The fare might be better but it will still be high because you are booking late for a busy period for that matter. Point of entry, they will just ask you want you are coming to Canada for, what school, course, blabla, collect your passport, some other docs( like admission letter) and give you your permit.

jpepper:
@Ruth 22, may I ask how you addressed these issues? I just find their "No strong ties" reason very "funny" for SOWP, obviously you are applying to be with your spouse(which i think is probably one's strongest tie, if one has no kids yet) what ties do they want one to show? You filled the family form with your folks' details right? So if they disregarded that, having assets at home is more important than your nuclear family? Nawa ooo

What about travel history? Your passport was a virgin "passport". So you had to travel somewhere before reapplying?

Apologies for the many questions, just trying to understand how these things work.

I just realised you applied for open work permit not the spousal one, sorry for the mix up

Ruth222:
I applied December ,!did biometrics 13. Got delayed March 2. No strong ties in Nigeria and travel history

@Ruth 22, may I ask how you addressed these issues? I just find their "No strong ties" reason very "funny" for SOWP, obviously you are applying to be with your spouse(which i think is probably one's strongest tie, if one has no kids yet) what ties do they want one to show? You filled the family form with your folks' details right? So if they disregarded that, having assets at home is more important than your nuclear family? Nawa ooo

What about travel history? Your passport was a virgin "passport". So you had to travel somewhere before reapplying?

Apologies for the many questions, just trying to understand how these things work.

This SOWP/OWP process is a real test of patience. I hope some people's spouse will not have finished school by the time CIC decides to review their file (for those whose spouse is in school). Sigh

CannyZionist:
My good people of Nairaland, the gurus and ogas with enough swag and sagacity
I humbly wish to list the documents i submitted

Lets go there....
1. All CIC forms
2. Study Permit Checklist
3. MEng Offer letter (Unconditional and didn't pay any fee as it was not a requirement)
4. International Passport (with expired and renewed Two years UK visas, have been to the UK twice)
5. Bachelor degree cert, Transcript and WAEC cert
6. Upfront Medical Sheet
7. 2 Statements of account with total closing balance of 20m+ (I am self sponsor)
8. Pension Account Statement
9. Bank of America Corporate Credit Card Statements (To prove a funny case I had with UK VO)
10. Employment letter and pay raise letters (no intro letter or whatsoever from employer)
11. TOEFL
12. Birth and LGA of origin certs
13. Mum and siblings birth certs and affidavits
14. Dad's death cert
15. Share certificates from three different coys
16. CV
17. Tax clearance certificate
18. Work ID card
I think that is all. I didn't include any landed documents

NB: I have two offers; from Regina and Concordia and I don't know which one to choose. Regina offer came with Coop, while Concordia is without Coop ( I already have my CAQ from Quebec Govt). I am a bit skeptical about going to Montreal, Quebec due to French language requirement, though the program is in English. Another thing is I applied for MASc in Concordia but was given MEng, with the option to switch to MASc when they can secure a supervisor for me. The supervisor I contacted told me my background and training is well along his research activities but was not hiring students as at then.

Gurus in the house can please assist in weighing my options...Thanks you my people and may all TRV hopefuls be granted their heart desires..Amen

Hi, I have a friend who is schooling in Montreal, she complains that getting a job is a challenge because employers often require that you should be bilingual(French and English), even part time jobs that students take up for up keep require French. That being said, it is not as if there are no jobs that do not require French o, nothing is impossible, she still managed to find a job as a sales rep and call centre agent in some semesters. For post grad work you can get a job outside Montreal so if you don't necessarily need a job to survive in school (i.e if you have enough funds) you will be fine.

Concerning Regina, I personally find courses with coop attractive because it is an opportunity to make money (sometimes money good enough to pay a good amount of your tuition, depending on the duration of your coop and the company ofcourse) and also to get your foot into a company for full time postgrad employment without much hassle. I must add that the process for getting a coop is almost like a getting a job o, interviews and all those annoying things that come with seeking employment but it is not a big deal.

Gymme:
No. Marriage duration does not matter.

Thanks alot Gymme, my husband applied in August, waiting for CIC. I see there are people who applied earlier than us with no response yet. Let is hope for the best

Hi people,

Does duration of marriage matter when applying for SOWP? Do people who have been married for less than one year have a slimmer chance ofr getting approval?