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List of Eligible TEER 2 and 3 Jobs for Spousal Open Work Permit

If you’re looking to bring your spouse or partner to Canada under the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program, it’s vital to be aware of the recent changes in eligibility requirements. As of 14 January 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has restricted eligibility to spouses of foreign workers employed in TEER 0, TEER 1, or in specific occupations within TEER 2 or TEER 3. Additionally, the principal applicant’s work permit must have at least 16 months of validity left for their spouse to qualify.

Below, we break down the list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 jobs that currently remain eligible for a spousal open work permit. We’ll also outline the steps you need to take when applying for a SOWP, highlight key details about NOC codes, and provide background on recent policy changes.

TEER 2 Jobs Eligible for Family Open Work Permit

NOC Group 22 – Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

22313

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics

22312

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

22311

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

22310

Construction estimators

22303

Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

22302

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

22301

Civil engineering technologists and technicians

22300

Construction inspectors

22233

Occupational health and safety specialists

22232

Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers

22231

Non-destructive testers and inspectors

22230

Information systems testing technicians

22222

User support technicians

22221

Computer network and web technicians

22220

Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

22214

Land survey technologists and technicians

22213

Drafting technologists and technicians

22212

Industrial designers

22211

Architectural technologists and technicians

22210

Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

22114

Conservation and fishery officers

22113

Forestry technologists and technicians

22112

Agricultural and fish products inspectors

22111

Biological technologists and technicians

22110

Geological and mineral technologists and technicians

22101

Chemical technologists and technicians

22100

NOC Group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Opticians

32100

Licensed practical nurses

32101

Paramedical occupations

32102

Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

32103

Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians

32104

Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment

32109

Denturists

32110

Dental hygienists and dental therapists

32111

Dental technologists and technicians

32112

Medical laboratory technologists

32120

Medical radiation technologists

32121

Medical sonographers

32122

Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists

32123

Pharmacy technicians

32124

Other medical technologists and technicians

32129

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists

32200

Massage therapists

32201

Other practitioners of natural healing

32209

NOC Group 42 – Front-Line Public Protection Services and Paraprofessional Occupations in Legal, Social, Community, Education Services

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces

42102

Early childhood educators and assistants

42202

NOC Group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers

(Examples of occupations include contractors and supervisors in various trades, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, industrial mechanics, aircraft mechanics, heavy equipment operators, etc. Refer to the full list above for exact job titles and NOC codes.)

NOC Group 82 – Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Supervisors, logging and forestry

82010

Supervisors, mining and quarrying

82020

Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services

82021

Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors

82030

Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services

82031

TEER 3 Jobs Eligible for Family Open Work Permit

NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants

33100

Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations

33101

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

33102

Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants

33103

Other assisting occupations in support of health services

33109

NOC Group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and in Legal and Public Protection

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

43100

Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces

43204

NOC Group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport

Occupation Title

NOC Code

Athletes

53200

Coaches

53201

NOC Group 73 – General Trades

(Examples include concrete finishers, tilesetters, roofers and shinglers, transport truck drivers, bus drivers, railway engineers, heavy equipment operators, printing press operators, and more. Refer to the full list above for exact job titles and NOC codes.)

NOC Group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production

(Examples include underground miners, oil and gas well drillers, logging machinery operators, fishing masters and officers, and fishermen/women.)

Determining Your Occupation’s NOC Code

To ensure you qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit based on occupation:

  1. Compare Duties: Align your job duties with those outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

  2. Match Requirements: IRCC requires that you perform all of the key tasks and at least 51% of the main duties in your NOC code’s description.

How to Apply for a SOWP as the Spouse of a Foreign Worker

  1. Eligibility Questionnaire:

    • Visit IRCC’s questionnaire page and answer all questions.

    • You’ll receive a personalized document checklist, a reference code, and instructions.

  2. Document Collection:

    • Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate or equivalent documentation.

    • Foreign Worker’s Valid Work Permit: Must show at least 16 months remaining.

    • Proof of Eligible Occupation: A letter from the employer confirming TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 position.

  3. Create/Log In to IRCC Account:

    • Select “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.”

    • Enter your reference code to generate your application.

  4. Submit Your Application:

    • Upload your documents.

    • Review carefully and pay the required fees.

    • Save the confirmation page upon submission.

Recent SOWP Changes: A Quick Overview

  • Narrowed Eligibility: Spouses of foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, or specified TEER 2 or 3 occupations only.

  • Extended Validity Requirement: Principal applicant’s work permit must be valid for at least 16 more months.

  • Student Spouses: Now restricted to those enrolled in doctoral programs, master’s programs (16 months+), and certain professional degrees (DDS, DMD, MD, JD, PharmD, DVM, B.Ed., etc.).

  • Reduction in SOWP Issuances: Aims to lower the number of temporary residents and manage immigration targets. IRCC anticipates these changes will reduce SOWP issuance by 150,000 over the next three years.


Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the official IRCC website or consult a registered immigration consultant or lawyer for personalized guidance.

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