The Canadian government now has a fresh list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 working professions that can apply for the Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
The new Canadian policy now requires foreign workers’ partners to meet specific conditions when they want to get a work permit.
On January 14 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed substantial changes regarding SOWP eligibility.
Spouses of foreign workers will now only qualify if the foreign worker is employed in:
A TEER 0 occupation;
A TEER 1 occupation; or
Household members need to work in limited TEER 2 and TEER 3 positions to apply now.
Before submitting an SOWP application the foreign worker must maintain at least 16 months validity on their work permit.
Oldly granted work permit approvals and their renewals keep their existing validity under these revisions that began January 21.
Before these changes a spouse could file for SOWP regardless of what job the foreign worker held.
Canada’s National Occupation Classification system uses TEER where Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities help determine job classification.
The system rates work positions from highest skill level TEER 0 to lowest skill level TEER 5.
Full List of Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for SOWPs
Below is the detailed list of occupations classified under TEER 2 and TEER 3 that remain eligible for spousal open work permits:
Here’s the separated list format for the provided tables:
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
Information systems testing technicians: NOC Code 22222
User support technicians: NOC Code 22221
Computer network and web technicians: NOC Code 22220
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology: NOC Code 22214
Land survey technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22213
Drafting technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22212
Industrial designers: NOC Code 22211
Architectural technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22210
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists: NOC Code 22114
Conservation and fishery officers: NOC Code 22113
Forestry technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22112
Agricultural and fish products inspectors: NOC Code 22111
Biological technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22110
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22101
Chemical technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22100
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
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists: NOC Code 32123
Pharmacy technicians: NOC Code 32124
Other medical technologists and technicians: NOC Code 32129
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists: NOC Code 32200
Massage therapists: NOC Code 32201
Other practitioners of natural healing: NOC Code 32209
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 and related occupations: NOC Code 72010
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations: 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, installers, repairers and servicers: NOC Code 72014
Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades: NOC Code 72020
Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews: NOC Code 72021
Supervisors, printing and related occupations: NOC Code 72022
Supervisors, railway transport operations: NOC Code 72023
Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators: NOC Code 72024
Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations: NOC Code 72025
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors: NOC Code 72100
Tool and die makers: NOC Code 72101
Sheet metal workers: NOC Code 72102
Boilermakers: NOC Code 72103
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters: NOC Code 72104
Ironworkers: NOC Code 72105
Welders and related machine operators: NOC Code 72106
Electricians (except industrial and power system): NOC Code 72200
Industrial electricians: NOC Code 72201
Power system electricians: NOC Code 72202
NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants – NOC 33100
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations – NOC 33101
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates – NOC 33102
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants – NOC 33103
Other assisting occupations in support of health services – NOC 33109
NOC Group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and Legal, Public Protection
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants – NOC 43100
Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 43204
NOC Group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport
Athletes – NOC 53200
Coaches – NOC 53201
NOC Group 73 – General Trades
Concrete finishers – NOC 73100
Tilesetters – NOC 73101
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers – NOC 73102
Roofers and shinglers – NOC 73110
Glaziers – NOC 73111
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) – NOC 73112
Floor covering installers – NOC 73113
Residential and commercial installers and servicers – NOC 73200
General building maintenance workers and building superintendents – NOC 73201
Pest controllers and fumigators – NOC 73202
Other repairers and servicers – NOC 73209
Transport truck drivers – NOC 73300
Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators – NOC 73301
Railway and yard locomotive engineers – NOC 73310
Railway conductors and brakemen/women – NOC 73311
Heavy equipment operators – NOC 73400
Printing press operators – NOC 73401
Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying, and construction – NOC 73402
NOC Group 82: Supervisory Roles in Natural Resources
Supervisors, logging and forestry – NOC 82010
Supervisors, mining and quarrying – NOC 82020
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services – NOC 82021
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors – NOC 82030
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services – NOC 82031
NOC Group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production
Underground production and development miners – NOC 83100
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers – NOC 83101
Logging machinery operators – NOC 83110
Fishing masters and officers – NOC 83120
Fishermen/women – NOC 83121
Steps to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit
To apply for a SOWP, follow these steps:
Visit the IRCC Eligibility Questionnaire:
Complete the questionnaire to receive a personalized document checklist.
Depending on your situation (e.g., whether the spouse is applying from inside or outside Canada), the answers may vary.
Collect Necessary Documents:
Proof of relationship to the principal applicant.
Evidence of the principal applicant’s employment in an eligible TEER-level occupation.
Proof that the principal applicant’s work permit is valid for at least 16 months.
Submit the Application Online:
Log in to your IRCC secure account.
Upload all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
Await Decision:
Processing times may vary depending on the applicant’s location and other factors.
How to Find Your NOC Code?
The job title provided by your employer might not match the NOC classification.
Instead, match your job duties and responsibilities with those listed under the NOC to determine your eligibility.
For most immigration purposes, you must fulfill all duties outlined in the lead statement and at least 51% of the main duties.
Click here for the full guide to finding your NOC code.
What happens if my spouse’s occupation does not qualify under the updated list?
Unfortunately, spouses of foreign workers in ineligible occupations cannot apply for a SOWP under the new rules.
Are previously approved SOWPs still valid?
Yes, valid work permits issued before January 21 remain unaffected.
Can I apply for a SOWP from outside Canada?
Yes, applicants outside Canada can submit their application, provided they meet all requirements.
Are there any fees for applying for a SOWP?
Yes, application fees apply. Check the IRCC website for the latest fee details.
How long does it take to process a SOWP?
Processing times depend on the applicant’s location and workload at IRCC offices.
Canada Spousal Open Work Permit Full List Of Eligible Occupations
The Canadian government now has a fresh list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 working professions that can apply for the Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
The new Canadian policy now requires foreign workers’ partners to meet specific conditions when they want to get a work permit.
On January 14 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed substantial changes regarding SOWP eligibility.
Spouses of foreign workers will now only qualify if the foreign worker is employed in:
A TEER 0 occupation;
A TEER 1 occupation; or
Household members need to work in limited TEER 2 and TEER 3 positions to apply now.
Before submitting an SOWP application the foreign worker must maintain at least 16 months validity on their work permit.
Oldly granted work permit approvals and their renewals keep their existing validity under these revisions that began January 21.
Before these changes a spouse could file for SOWP regardless of what job the foreign worker held.
Canada’s National Occupation Classification system uses TEER where Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities help determine job classification.
The system rates work positions from highest skill level TEER 0 to lowest skill level TEER 5.
Full List of Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for SOWPs
Below is the detailed list of occupations classified under TEER 2 and TEER 3 that remain eligible for spousal open work permits:
Here’s the separated list format for the provided tables:
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
Information systems testing technicians: NOC Code 22222
User support technicians: NOC Code 22221
Computer network and web technicians: NOC Code 22220
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology: NOC Code 22214
Land survey technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22213
Drafting technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22212
Industrial designers: NOC Code 22211
Architectural technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22210
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists: NOC Code 22114
Conservation and fishery officers: NOC Code 22113
Forestry technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22112
Agricultural and fish products inspectors: NOC Code 22111
Biological technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22110
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22101
Chemical technologists and technicians: NOC Code 22100
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
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists: NOC Code 32123
Pharmacy technicians: NOC Code 32124
Other medical technologists and technicians: NOC Code 32129
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists: NOC Code 32200
Massage therapists: NOC Code 32201
Other practitioners of natural healing: NOC Code 32209
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 and related occupations: NOC Code 72010
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations: 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, installers, repairers and servicers: NOC Code 72014
Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades: NOC Code 72020
Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews: NOC Code 72021
Supervisors, printing and related occupations: NOC Code 72022
Supervisors, railway transport operations: NOC Code 72023
Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators: NOC Code 72024
Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations: NOC Code 72025
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors: NOC Code 72100
Tool and die makers: NOC Code 72101
Sheet metal workers: NOC Code 72102
Boilermakers: NOC Code 72103
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters: NOC Code 72104
Ironworkers: NOC Code 72105
Welders and related machine operators: NOC Code 72106
Electricians (except industrial and power system): NOC Code 72200
Industrial electricians: NOC Code 72201
Power system electricians: NOC Code 72202
NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants – NOC 33100
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations – NOC 33101
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates – NOC 33102
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants – NOC 33103
Other assisting occupations in support of health services – NOC 33109
NOC Group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and Legal, Public Protection
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants – NOC 43100
Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 43204
NOC Group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport
Athletes – NOC 53200
Coaches – NOC 53201
NOC Group 73 – General Trades
Concrete finishers – NOC 73100
Tilesetters – NOC 73101
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers – NOC 73102
Roofers and shinglers – NOC 73110
Glaziers – NOC 73111
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) – NOC 73112
Floor covering installers – NOC 73113
Residential and commercial installers and servicers – NOC 73200
General building maintenance workers and building superintendents – NOC 73201
Pest controllers and fumigators – NOC 73202
Other repairers and servicers – NOC 73209
Transport truck drivers – NOC 73300
Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators – NOC 73301
Railway and yard locomotive engineers – NOC 73310
Railway conductors and brakemen/women – NOC 73311
Heavy equipment operators – NOC 73400
Printing press operators – NOC 73401
Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying, and construction – NOC 73402
NOC Group 82: Supervisory Roles in Natural Resources
Supervisors, logging and forestry – NOC 82010
Supervisors, mining and quarrying – NOC 82020
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services – NOC 82021
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors – NOC 82030
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services – NOC 82031
NOC Group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production
Underground production and development miners – NOC 83100
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers – NOC 83101
Logging machinery operators – NOC 83110
Fishing masters and officers – NOC 83120
Fishermen/women – NOC 83121
Steps to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit
To apply for a SOWP, follow these steps:
Visit the IRCC Eligibility Questionnaire:
Complete the questionnaire to receive a personalized document checklist.
Depending on your situation (e.g., whether the spouse is applying from inside or outside Canada), the answers may vary.
Collect Necessary Documents:
Proof of relationship to the principal applicant.
Evidence of the principal applicant’s employment in an eligible TEER-level occupation.
Proof that the principal applicant’s work permit is valid for at least 16 months.
Submit the Application Online:
Log in to your IRCC secure account.
Upload all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
Await Decision:
Processing times may vary depending on the applicant’s location and other factors.
How to Find Your NOC Code?
The job title provided by your employer might not match the NOC classification.
Instead, match your job duties and responsibilities with those listed under the NOC to determine your eligibility.
For most immigration purposes, you must fulfill all duties outlined in the lead statement and at least 51% of the main duties.
Click here for the full guide to finding your NOC code.
What happens if my spouse’s occupation does not qualify under the updated list?
Unfortunately, spouses of foreign workers in ineligible occupations cannot apply for a SOWP under the new rules.
Are previously approved SOWPs still valid?
Yes, valid work permits issued before January 21 remain unaffected.
Can I apply for a SOWP from outside Canada?
Yes, applicants outside Canada can submit their application, provided they meet all requirements.
Are there any fees for applying for a SOWP?
Yes, application fees apply. Check the IRCC website for the latest fee details.
How long does it take to process a SOWP?
Processing times depend on the applicant’s location and workload at IRCC offices.
Author: Sam Gill
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