If your spouse is visiting you on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV/visitor visa) while you're studying, and you plan to move to a work permit, the group's guidance was:
- Apply directly for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) rather than trying to extend or convert the visitor visa itself — SOWP is a distinct application tied to your status as a student/worker, not a modification of the visitor visa.
- Processing can be relatively fast. One member reported their visitor visa was issued in 17 days, and others noted SOWP approvals for classmates' spouses came through in under a month — faster in their experience than some visitor visa extensions.
- Timing matters relative to your own status. Since SOWP eligibility is generally linked to the principal applicant (you) holding or being about to hold a valid study/work permit, make sure your own permit situation supports your spouse's SOWP application when you submit it.
Processing times vary by case and change over time, so check IRCC's current published processing times for spousal open work permits before you apply, rather than relying on these anecdotal timelines.