Timing for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) application after you (the student) arrive in Canada was debated in this thread, without full consensus:
- One view: apply once you've arrived and started studying in Canada — you don't necessarily need to wait a full semester.
- Another view: you may need your first semester's transcript as proof of active enrollment before the SOWP application can be submitted, rather than just an enrollment/acceptance letter.
- Because these two views conflict, and a follow-up question in the thread about whether a transcript is strictly mandatory went unanswered, check IRCC's current published SOWP requirements directly rather than assuming either timeline is universally correct.
Given document requirements and processing guidance change, confirm on IRCC's official spousal open work permit page whether an enrollment letter alone is sufficient or a transcript is required before you apply.