What should I do next for my SOWP?
Hello everyone,
I am looking for general experiences from people who may have dealt with a similar situation.
I was living in the UAE and was approved for a Canadian study permit in September 2025 for a 2-year master’s program starting in Winter 2026. I got married in December 2025, before travelling to Canada, and I submitted a webform to IRCC notifying them of my change in marital status. I received an acknowledgment.
I entered Canada on January 12, 2026 and started my studies. Since there was not enough time to apply for my wife’s visa before my semester started, we started her application after I arrived in Canada.
My wife first applied for a visitor visa from the UAE, which was refused. We then submitted a Spousal Open Work Permit application, but unfortunately it was also refused.
In the officer notes, one of the statements says: “Inviter has been in Canada since Sep 2025.” This appears to be incorrect, because September 2025 was when my study permit was approved, but I only entered Canada on January 12, 2026, after our marriage.
We submitted a webform requesting reconsideration and included proof of my entry date, my study permit, and proof that I had informed IRCC about the marriage through a webform before travelling to Canada. We have not received a response yet.
Has anyone experienced a refusal where the officer notes included an incorrect timeline or factual misunderstanding? If so, did you wait for reconsideration, submit a new application with a stronger explanation, or seek professional advice for judicial review?
I understand this is not legal advice. I am mainly looking for similar experiences and what general steps others considered after a refusal based on an apparent factual mistake.
Thank you.