A couple may be able to get Canadian permanent residence (PR) years sooner—by having one spouse work while the other studies. If a foreign national comes to Canada on a study permit and enrolls in a qualifying study program, their spouse could begin working on a spousal open work permit (SOWP). Miranja accompanies her husband to Canada on an SOWP, which she’s issued for the duration of Bilan’s study program. After Maranja has accrued her third year of Canadian work experience (raising her CRS score), she receives an ITA through a CEC draw. Because Maranja began gaining Canadian work experience on an SOWP while Bilan was still studying, she not only became eligible for the CEC far before him but also was able to gain more Canadian work experience points (56:35).