The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program remains a vital pathway for spouses and common-law partners to work in Canada. However, recent updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have introduced new eligibility requirements and included the list of eligible occupations. This article provides a detailed overview of the changes, including a breakdown of the updated TEER 2 and 3 job lists, and highlights key requirements for principal applicants.
Understanding the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
The SOWP enables spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers and international students to work in Canada without requiring a job offer. It supports family reunification while allowing spouses to contribute to the Canadian workforce.
Updated Requirements for SOWP Applications
IRCC has introduced new criteria to improve the program’s efficiency and ensure alignment with labor market needs. Here’s what applicants need to know:
For Principal Applicants
You (the principal applicant) must meet the following requirements:
Work Authorization:
a valid work permit (some exceptions apply)
an approval for a work permit that hasn’t been issued yet (this means you received a port of entry letter of introduction)
an authorization to work without a work permit (some exceptions apply)
Work Permit Validity:
Your work permit or authorized work must remain valid for at least 16 months after IRCC receives your spouse or common-law partner’s open work permit application.
Residency in Canada:
You must live or plan to live in Canada while working.
Occupation Eligibility:
Be employed in a high-skilled occupation under TEER categories 0 (management), 1 (professional), 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) at the time your spouse or common-law partner submits their application.
For Spouses or Common-Law Partners
Your spouse or common-law partner must meet 3 requirements:
They meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit.
They’re in a genuine relationship with the person (the principal applicant) who makes them eligible for this open work permit.
If they’re in Canada, they must be in 1 of the following situations:
They have valid temporary resident status.
They’ve applied to extend their status before it expired (maintained status).
They’re eligible for restoration of their status as a
TEER 2 and 3 Occupations Eligible for SOWP
IRCC’s updated list includes a total of 137 occupations under TEER 2 (105) and TEER 3 (32) categories. Here’s a breakdown:
TEER 2 Occupations
22100 – Chemical technologists and technicians |
22101 – Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
22110 – Biological technologists and technicians |
22111 – Agricultural and fish products inspectors |
22112 – Forestry technologists and technicians |
22113 – Conservation and fishery officers |
22114 – Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists |
22210 – Architectural technologists and technicians |
22211 – Industrial designers |
22212 – Drafting technologists and technicians |
22213 – Land survey technologists and technicians |
22214 – Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology |
22220 – Computer network and web technicians |
22221 – User support technicians |
22222 – Information systems testing technicians |
22230 – Non-destructive testers and inspectors |
22231 – Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers |
22232 – Occupational health and safety specialists |
22233 – Construction inspectors |
22300 – Civil engineering technologists and technicians |
22301 – Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians |
22302 – Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians |
22303 – Construction estimators |
22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
22311 – Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) |
22312 – Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
22313 – Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors |
32100 – Opticians |
32101 – Licensed practical nurses |
32102 – Paramedical occupations |
32103 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
32104 – Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
32110 – Denturists |
32111 – Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
32112 – Dental technologists and technicians |
32120 – Medical laboratory technologists |
32121 – Medical radiation technologists |
32122 – Medical sonographers |
32123 – Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists |
32124 – Pharmacy technicians |
32129 – Other medical technologists and technicians |
32200 – Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists |
32201 – Massage therapists |
32209 – Other practitioners of natural healing |
42102 – Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces |
42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants |
72010 – Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations |
72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations |
72012 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades |
72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades |
72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers |
72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades |
72021 – Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews |
72022 – Supervisors, printing and related occupations |
72023 – Supervisors, railway transport operations |
72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators |
72025 – Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations |
72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors |
72101 – Tool and die makers |
72102 – Sheet metal workers |
72103 – Boilermakers |
72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters |
72105 – Ironworkers |
72106 – Welders and related machine operators |
72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system) |
72201 – Industrial electricians |
72202 – Power system electricians |
72203 – Electrical power line and cable workers |
72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers |
72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians |
72300 – Plumbers |
72301 – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers |
72302 – Gas fitters |
72310 – Carpenters |
72311 – Cabinetmakers |
72320 – Bricklayers |
72321 – Insulators |
72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics |
72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics |
72403 – Railway carmen/women |
72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors |
72405 – Machine fitters |
72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics |
72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers |
72411 – Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators |
72420 – Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics |
72421 – Appliance servicers and repairers |
72422 – Electrical mechanics |
72423 – Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics |
72429 – Other small engine and small equipment repairers |
72500 – Crane operators |
72501 – Water well drillers |
72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors |
72601 – Air traffic controllers and related occupations |
72602 – Deck officers, water transport |
72603 – Engineer officers, water transport |
72604 – Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators |
72999 – Other technical trades and related occupations |
82010 – Supervisors, logging and forestry |
82020 – Supervisors, mining and quarrying |
82021 – Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services |
82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors |
82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services |
TEER 3 Occupations
If you’re eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), take action now—submit your application and ensure it meets all the necessary requirements. For international students with spouses, it’s crucial to start job hunting early. Plan ahead, and make sure to take your language test on time. If you’re graduating from a diploma or certificate program and applied for your study permit after November 1, 2024, double-check that your education aligns with IRCC’s required labour shortage areas. Policies are changing, but don’t get overwhelmed—take control by staying informed. If you're uncertain, book a consultation with one of our experts today to get clear, actionable guidance.
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