Eligible Occupations for Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
January 22,2025 Amritpal Kaur
On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant change in the eligibility requirements for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). The new policy, which came into effect on January 21, 2025, is specifically for the spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers in Canada. Under these updated guidelines, spouses can only apply for a work permit if the principal applicant is employed in eligible TEER 0, TEER 1, and selected TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations.
This policy change has impacted the spousal work permit process, as it limits the occupations that qualify, whereas previously spouses could apply regardless of the occupation of the foreign worker. Moreover, to qualify under the new rules, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when the application is made.
Let’s dive into the full list of eligible occupations under TEER 2 and TEER 3, followed by the steps for applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit.
Full List of Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for Spousal Open Work Permits
NOC Group 22 – Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences:
Aircraft instrument, electrical, and avionics mechanics, technicians, and inspectors: NOC Code 22313
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics: NOC Code 22312
Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment): NOC Code 22311
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22310
Construction estimators: NOC Code 22303
Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22302
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22301
Civil engineering technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22300
Construction inspectors: NOC Code 22233
Occupational health and safety specialists: NOC Code 22232
Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers: NOC Code 22231
Non-destructive testers and inspectors: NOC Code 22230
NOC Group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health:
Opticians: NOC Code 32100
Licensed practical nurses: NOC Code 32101
Paramedical occupations: NOC Code 32102
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists: NOC Code 32103
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians: NOC Code 32104
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment: NOC Code 32109
Denturists: NOC Code 32110
Dental hygienists and dental therapists: NOC Code 32111
Dental technologists and technicians: NOC Code 32112
Medical laboratory technologists: NOC Code 32120
Medical radiation technologists: NOC Code 32121
Medical sonographers: NOC Code 32122
NOC Group 42 – Front-Line Public Protection Services and Paraprofessional Occupations in Legal, Social, Community, Education Services:
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces: NOC Code 42102
Early childhood educators and assistants: NOC Code 42202
NOC Group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers:
Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping, and erecting trades: NOC Code 72010
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades: NOC Code 72011
Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades: NOC Code 72012
Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades: NOC Code 72013
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades: NOC Code 72014
Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades: NOC Code 72020
NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services:
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants: NOC 33100
Medical laboratory assistants: NOC 33101
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates: NOC 33102
Pharmacy technical assistants: NOC 33103
NOC Group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport:
Athletes: NOC Code 53200
Coaches: NOC Code 53201
NOC Group 73 – General Trades:
Concrete finishers: NOC 73100
Tilesetters: NOC Code 73101
Roofers and shinglers: NOC Code 73110
Painters and decorators: NOC 73112
NOC Group 82: Supervisory Roles in Natural Resources:
Supervisors, logging and forestry: NOC 82010
Supervisors, mining and quarrying: NOC 82020
NOC Group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production:
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers: NOC 83101
Steps to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
If your spouse works in an eligible occupation, here’s how to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit:
Complete the IRCC Eligibility Questionnaire:
Visit the IRCC eligibility questionnaire to determine the exact documents needed based on your specific situation.
Gather Required Documents:
Proof of your relationship to the principal applicant (e.g., marriage certificate).
Evidence that your spouse works in an eligible TEER occupation.
Proof that your spouse’s work permit is valid for at least 16 more months.
Submit the Application:
Create or log in to your IRCC secure account to submit your application online.
Upload all required documents and pay the application fees.
Wait for a Decision:
Processing times can vary based on the applicant’s location and the workload at IRCC offices.
How to Find Your NOC Code
To ensure your occupation qualifies, you need to match your job duties with the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Find your NOC code by checking the official NOC website. Your job title may not directly match the NOC code, so focus on the duties and responsibilities of your position to determine eligibility.
Need Help with Your Application?
As an authorized immigration consultant, we are here to assist you in applying for the Spousal Open Work Permit. With recent changes to the eligibility criteria, we can help ensure that your application meets all the necessary requirements for approval.
Contact us for professional guidance:
📞 Call us: 647-222-6795
📧 Email: info@zandbimmigration.ca | amritpal@zandbimmigration.ca
🌐 Book an appointment: www.zandbimmigration.ca
We are here to make the application process simpler for you and improve your chances of success.