₦airaland Forum

AlphaLady:
Hello Okuku,
Please I’m also trying to apply for this. Can I also send an email to help talk through the process. My husband just got his study visa this month and would be traveling next month.
Thank you, looking forward to your response.

DamDid:
Hi Guys, I’m currently working in Canada and have a valid work permit. I’m looking into getting SOWP for my spouse and study permit for my 4 year old and VV for my 1 year old. My questions are: will I get study permit for a 4 year old? Because some are saying study permit is only for 5 years and above and the second question is must I get his admission sorted and get a letter of admission before I can put in for study permit for him?

Ennamdee:
Glory be to God.

PRR Alert!!

1 SOWP (Spouse Open Work Permit) & 1 VV (Visitor Visa)

Timeline for SOWP:

Application Date: October 12, 2022
Medical Examination: Performed upfront
Passport Request (PPR): June 6, 2023
Passport Submission: June 7, 2023
Passport Received: June 15, 2023

Timeline for VV (For Child, Less than 4 Years Old):

Application Date: October 12, 2022
Medical Request: June 6, 2023
Receipt of Spouse's Authorization Letter & Passport Data Page: June 6, 2023
Passport Request (PPR): June 29, 2023
Passport Submission: June 30, 2023
Passport Received: July 18, 2023

On January 4th, we updated the medical information using a webform and started the waiting period. Despite numerous emails sent to the designated IRCC email addresses and several webforms filled out, we received no response.

My spouse reached out to her MP's office to express our concerns and was informed that we would need to wait due to an overwhelming number of applications. She later visited another MP's office who offered reassurances and explained that one major factor affecting SOWP delays is the city to which the applicant is going. The demand for the applicant's NOC can determine the speed of the response. This MP promised to make inquiries with the IRCC if we didn't receive any feedback within two weeks.

Indeed, the SOWP PPR arrived within the specified two weeks, though not for my son's VV. Instead, my son received a medical request and an authorization letter, and the passport data page from my spouse. It's worth noting that an authorization letter had already been submitted with the initial application, but for some unknown reason(s), it was requested, again.

Travel Experience:
Our experience at MM2 was typical. We flew via Lufthansa Airlines and had another document check-in Frankfurt. Upon arrival at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), I filled out the declaration form. The officer asked if I was carrying food items such as fish, meat, or yam and whether I was carrying more than CAD 10k. My answer to both inquiries was a definitive "No."

The encounter with the immigration officer was quick and smooth. The officer only asked why I was in Canada and requested my Letter of Introduction. Please note that no questions were asked about my son. Another Nigerian who stood before me was asked by another immigration officer to show his marriage certificate and children's birth certificate.

Documents submitted for my SOWP

LOE
Pay slips for 6 months
Employment letter (partnership offer) & ID card
Land documents & property evaluation
Family pictures
Letter of invitation from my spouse
Statement of account from my pension manager worth N4.2m
My Bank Statement showing a closing balance of USD $34k & N6m
Spouse’s student visa & study permit
Wedding certificate
Police report
Birth Certificate
Letter of explanation for transactions above N1m
Company CAC
Spouse lease agreement
Spouse Social Insurance Number
Spouse tuition receipt, transcript & enrolment letter


Documents submitted for my son

LOE
Authorization letter from spouse
Birth certificate
Letter of invitation from my spouse
School results and pictures with other kids


Thank you all for your contributions, and my special appreciation goes to @okukuOne, you're far too generous with information. And to those waiting, you're next to testify.

Mojeecan:
Hello guys please what other airlines accept one way ticket for study visa.
An agent was telling me today that all airline require round trip for study visa. How true is this?

RafiatD:
Want to apply for SOWP and vv for my children...

Is it necessary to change my maiden nameto my husband name on my international passport before I could apply..


Pls advice

Accessed:
Thanks Boss...Na Toronto!

I am already here...na Madam and kids dey come.

Ehigiatorjoel18:
Pls I have one issue that I need someone to help me address

Ok I and my spouse will be one month old in marriage ( legally) when I will be applying for my study permit. I will be coming first then I will apply for him later.

Not a bad plan.

he will be one to pay for my first semester tuition fee and also show proof of fund for the remaining fee and living expenses.

Also, ntot a bad one.

Now I'm hearing it will raise a red flag if I said I'm working but can't provide my own bank statement or showing i paid my school fees by myself. And submitted marriage certificate of 1 month will look like an arrangee stuff.

Disregard gossip and speculation, and focus on creating a well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) that explains your personal motivation for studying abroad, taking into account the recent occurrence of your marriage.

Additionally, consider how to present compelling reasons for your spouse to join you at a later stage. Ths is something for much later and that should be coming under his own application when the time finally come.

Moreover, contemplate alternative options for a home tie in your SOP, particularly if you had initially considered using your husband as a home tie and now need to reassess that choice.

Alternatively, it is often recommended to include factors such as aged parents, employment, business ventures, and real estate as they represent stable and immovable assets.[i][/i]

Now I'm confused o

Empty your mind and chase after your objective. Your dreams are known to you better than anyone else.

Good luck!

Accessed:
Finally its PPR guys,

Glory be to God!

1 SOWP, 2 Study Permits and 1 VV.

PPRs for the 2 Study Permits took 6 weeks from submission date while PPRs for WP and VV dropped a week later.

Kudos to you gurus, for the responses and guidance.

God be praised!!

cathrynjegs:
I've come to say thank you to all the members of this wonderful group for all the free information that is posted here and to share my timeline and testimony

Timeline
I applied for my study visa last year July and visitor visas for my daughter and husband but I had to defer my Sept 2022 admission to 2023 because the visa was not forthcoming.

Jan 2023 I got a request to go for medical meanwhile nothing came for my husband and daughter
Feb 14th 2023 I got my PPR and my dependents got rejection letters
I submitted my passport and it took 8days to get the visa.
After plenty reading on this group we decided to apply for a SOWP for my husband instead of another visitor's visa
April 16th 2023 we applied for a Spousal Open Work Permit for my husband and a visitor visa for my daughter.
May 5th 2023 medical request came in for both of them
They did the medical on the 18th of May
May 29th PPR dropped
June 8th passport was ready for collection
June 28th arrived in Canada

We decided to travel early even though my school starts in September so I can still be fit to fly as baby no 2 is on the way.
Port of entry interview was a breeze, the officer just asked for my school's letter of acceptance, letter of introduction, proof of tuition payment (I paid 3000 CAD before coming) and the bank statement of my sponsor(my dad). There was no question on why we were coming in early, nothing about the pregnancy too and we were not asked to show our personal bank statements.

Documents submitted for my husband's SOWP
LOE
Pay slips for 3months
Employment letter
Land documents
Pictures of our building under construction
Letter from his father to support the monetary gift he sent
Statement of account from his pension manager
Bank statement showing closing balance of N2.3m
Confirmation of funds letter from the cooperative society in the institute he works for because he also saves money there
My bank statement showing closing balance of N5.8m
My student visa and letter of acceptance
Our wedding certificate
Family pictures

Documents submitted for my daughter
I wrote a supporting letter explaining why I couldn't leave her behind
Her birth certificate
My bank statement
Affidavit of support from my father that I submitted in my study permit application.
My study visa and letter of acceptance

God truly came through for my family, I thought my study permit application will be rejected because of the pregnancy or that we would have issues at the POE but everything just went smoothly, better than expected.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences, all that we read gave us the confidence to apply by ourselves. May God bless you.

obawale:
Dear Group members I need your advise, I am applying for a visitor visa to enable me accompany my wife to Canada and just remembered while filling the form now that I was refused a group visa with two others in my office to France on official training in September 2013. Do I still state that I was refused or say I have never ben refused? Thank you.

Mojeecan:
I am also stuck with these two forms. Does it mean I should ignore them.
Another area of challenge is what school to indicate for kids(below 18years), fees and acceptance letter to upload
House plss help oh




quote author=ZoeAkorede post=124166608]Hello guru’s in the house
More Questions regards filling of IMM forms

IMM5707e(Family information form) I’m I to print it out and sign it (Have been able to fill other informations in adobe )

Then IMM5713(Use of family representative)
Am I suppose to fill the form just for myself since my baby is just 1year plus (below 18years)
And the instruction on the form says dependent under 18 should not fill the form

Accessed:
Dear Gurus,

Please when can an SOWP applicant with medical request yet to be updated to pass start getting worried? 2 of the accompanying kids already got their PPR same day since last week and the last kid's medical updated to pass same day as the previous 2 is yet to get PPR.

ukehnonny:
Please for someone that just got study permit and plan to marry before leaving for Canada. Can my spouse join me via SOWP when I’m settled there?

PS: I got my study permit visa before getting married. Thank you

GloriaBekee:
thanks for the prompt responses:

My spouse is a business man,so please what’s documents will he provide, what home tie will he use, and for the work leave of absence, what’s it gonna be , for our children vv what documents for them.
Sorry for the so many questions 🙏🙏

kokoromaster9:
Hello everyone. I am only 5months in Canada via Study Permit , now I want to do the SOWP for my wife. My wife just finished schooling in 9ja… please what documents do I need to bring her in plus anyone who can talk me through the process I’ll be very happy and grateful. Thank you 🙏

tracy0803409:
Please for a spouse travelling from Nigeria to Canada, what documents will she show/ present at the Airport, please responses needed,Thank you

Pristine664:
Thank you very much.
Just that I'm only familiar with the new portal.

Harmony63:
Thank you @Okukuone for your response

Pls I have one issue that I need someone to help me address

Ok I and my spouse will be one month old in marriage ( legally) when I will be applying for my study permit. I will be coming first then I will apply for him later

he will be one to pay for my first semester tuition fee and also show proof of fund for the remaining fee and living expenses.

Now I'm hearing it will raise a red flag if I said I'm working but can't provide my own bank statement or showing i paid my school fees by myself. And submitted marriage certificate of 1 month will look like an arrangee stuff

Now I'm confused o

Someone should helep me

Pristine664:
Please I'm having issues on how to start the SOWP application for my wife.

Can I just add it as new application and choose "Work permit" instead of "study permit" I chose during my own application?

(I'm referring to the new portal that I used for my own application)....

ZoeAkorede:
Hello guru’s in the house
More Questions regards filling of IMM forms

IMM5707e(Family information form) I’m I to print it out and sign it (Have been able to fill other informations in adobe )

Then IMM5713(Use of family representative)
Am I suppose to fill the form just for myself since my baby is just 1year plus (below 18years)
And the instruction on the form says dependent under 18 should not fill the form

Harmony63:
Is it possible for students going for 1 year course to apply sowp for their spouse immediately they get to Canada

Has any gotten their sowp while their spouse course is 1 year?
Yes a lot has gotten, including yours truly. Constructing an impressive Statement of Purpose (SOP), establishing strong home ties, and possessing Proof of Funds (POF) hold significant importance. To a great extent, these elements encompass all the essentials you truly require.
Good luck!

ZoeAkorede:
No
In her SOP we stated it that we want to go together and explained why we want to

I would tell a story like this. Though, this is fiction, but i hope it helps you get the tune of my msg.

From the beginning, my family and I had plans to apply together for an incredible opportunity, eager to embark on a new journey as a united family. However, an unfortunate mistake occurred along the way, resulting in only my wife's application being submitted while the rest of us inadvertently remained without an application. We deeply regretted the error and longed to join my wife in pursuing this opportunity.

Despite the setback, we chose to wholeheartedly support my wife and celebrated her success when her application was accepted. However, the thought of being separated from one another weighed heavily on our hearts, and we were determined to find a solution. We reached out to the authorities involved, explaining the situation and expressing our family's strong desire to be reunited with my wife.

Understanding the genuine mistake made by our family and acknowledging the tight bond we shared, the authorities empathized with our situation. They recognized the error that had occurred and graciously allowed us to submit additional applications as a family unit, taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding our initial oversight.

With renewed hope, we swiftly gathered all the necessary documents and submitted our applications, eagerly awaiting a response. Throughout the waiting period, we remained optimistic and continued to support my wife as she made preparations for the journey ahead.

In the end, our efforts bore fruit. The authorities carefully reviewed our applications, taking into account the unique circumstances we had faced. They understood our genuine intentions and approved our requests, granting the rest of the family the opportunity to join my wife.

This unexpected turn of events served as a valuable lesson, teaching us the importance of perseverance, unity, and seizing opportunities. It reminded us that mistakes can happen, but with determination and support, we can overcome them and turn our dreams into reality.

Filled with joy and a sense of anticipation, we embarked on this new chapter of our lives, ready to face the challenges and blessings that awaited us as a reunited family.

Good luck

GloriaBekee:
Please this work leave letter,payslip,is it from my employer here in 9ja?POF of how much. And will I create another gckey for them , can I do it while I’m still here in 9ja,, please I’ll need assistance and clarification plzzz

1. If you are currently employed in Nigeria, it is necessary to provide evidence of a "leave of absence" to demonstrate your intention to return after the Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) expires.

2. Proof of Funds (POF) can be combined, meaning that the funds can come from either you or your spouse. However, it is important to ensure that the information provided in the Study Permit of the spouse already in Canada aligns with the storyline of the SOWP application. The narratives should be consistent and coherent.

3. It is recommended to include the payslip of the individual who is providing the funds as part of the Proof of Funds (POF) documentation.

4. POF of how much? click the link here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html

Good luck!

Accessed:
I don't know how this will sound to IRCC. What's the story in her SOP? Did she use you guys as home ties? In anycase, it does not really matter if she did. If I were you, I would simply apply for SOWP and VV stating you have decided to be together while she studies. I don't think IRCC will think too much of that so long as adequate POF and other related documents are in place.

Predator188:
..
I also received the email, but it seems quite complex to me.

What about the dependents who holds Open Work Permit (OWP) for Spouse, and Study Permit (SP) for children that will expire same time as the student (spouse)?

If no extension of SP is required for study permit holders, what happens to their dependents that their OWP and SP expire the same time as the SP holder?

We must find a solution to unravel this situation. Although it seems advantageous, the complete implications are not fully comprehensible for all students and their families.

Those who have a clearer understanding can share their knowledge for the purpose of learning.

Mojeecan:
Hello gurus in the house. I need your assistance. I got my study permit already and want to apply for sowp and sp for kids.
1. How will ircc know they are my dependants

For children, last names and must reflect in birth certificates, and for a spouse, please provide a marriage certificate.

2. These were the forms that came up imm1295,5257 and 5645. Are they correct cos I saw somewhere on this thread that imm5257SCH1 is required

Make sure to accurately complete the questionnaire, and the appropriate forms relevant to your situation will be generated. This is the best advice I can offer you.

I need your urgent reply as I have started application
Thanks

Good luck!

toboblingz:
thanks so much for your response sir , I so much appreciate

1) I have already gotten a new passport for my wife and child ,I stated it in my message 🙂

i missed it bro. nor vex joor. Please ensure that you submit both the expired passport and the newly obtained one. However, prior to submitting them, it is advisable to send a webform to notify the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about the passport's expiration and renewal.

2)if I want to pay through my banking app on my phone , what should I state as reference ? For my payment , then for my wife and sons payment ?

Trasnmission fee and sms. Ensure to pay each seperately and add to their respective envelopes

Your response has brought joy to me , I appreciate once more

You're welcome, I'm glad I could bring you happiness.

Good luck!

toboblingz:
I want to ask ,
We applied for visit visa , Canada requested for Me and family to send our passport,I intend sending via courier ;
1) For My 5 years old son , which of the consent form am I to fill and submit ?

The same consent form utilized for adults can be used.

2) can I make payment for transmission charges through my bank app and print out the payment confirmation to add to the package I want to send to VFS ? or I go to sterling bank to make the payment ?

Certainly, you have the option to make payments through your app. I personally did the same for my own convenience, and I hope you find it convenient as well.

3) my wife and sons passport expires, and they had to get new ones .can they submit it ?

I find this confusing. How can you wait for their passports to expire? Frankly speaking, you will need some form of divine intervention. How can you obtain a new passport before the 30-day deadline for passport submission expires?

Please I will appreciate an urgent response as my submission date given has almost elapsed

Again, you have delayed in finding a solution. Your actions are quite perplexing!

Good luck!

ianian:
1. That will be about 13,757cad (1 person) cad right or 13,757cad (2 persons) right? Or which?

The total amount for two dependents is 7,000 CAD, which is made up of 4,000 CAD for the first dependent and 3,000 CAD for the second dependent. If there is only one person to support, the amount needed is 4,000 CAD. It would also be advisable to have some extra funds for unforeseen circumstances, and an additional 2,000 CAD would be sufficient in my opinion.

2. Anyway, in my case, I have the funds, but I’ve been unemployed since February and I am just worried about my employment status when I apply by November (hopefully after marriage). Does having the POF suffice in lieu of employment?

Having stable employment and avoiding idle wandering is crucial for ensuring financial stability. I trust that you understand the importance of this.

Good luck!

nnamdi346:
Thanks man, do you think we need to show proof of funds for only myself and daughter since her visa has already been approved?

nnamdi346:
Thank you very much.

Initially, we applied for our child to accompany us, but unfortunately, the application was denied. One of the reasons highlighted in the GCMS note was the issue of traveling with the child. As a result, we made the decision to proceed without our child in order to improve our chances of approval. I am currently employed full-time in the UK and not actively seeking employment in Canada. However, I require the SOWP (Spousal Open Work Permit) because it has a shorter processing time compared to a visitor's visa. Additionally, having the SOWP would allow me to start working as soon as possible if I decide to join my family in Canada. Furthermore, since my child is under two years old, I anticipate that her visitor's visa will be processed within the same timeframe as mine, making it feasible for her to travel with my spouse by January 2024.