Complete List of Eligible Occupations for the Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Are you looking to reunite with your spouse in Canada while continuing your professional career? The Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) offers an incredible opportunity for eligible spouses to work in Canada, allowing families to live and thrive together.

In this blog, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the eligible occupations for the Spousal Open Work Permit under the new eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Whether you’re planning to apply or assisting someone, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process effectively.

What is the Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) is a special program that allows the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled foreign worker or international student in Canada to work anywhere in the country without needing a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This program is designed to support families by enabling both partners to contribute financially while living together in Canada. With recent updates from IRCC, the eligibility criteria now focus on specific TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

As of January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced updated eligibility criteria for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), enhancing opportunities for spouses of foreign workers to join the Canadian workforce. This change aims to address labor shortages in high-demand sectors while supporting family reunification and financial stability.

Under the new criteria, spouses of foreign workers can qualify for an open work permit if the principal foreign worker meets the following requirements:

1. Eligible Occupations of the Principal Foreign Worker

The eligibility is now linked to the type of work performed by the principal foreign worker. Specifically, the foreign worker must be employed in one of the following occupation categories, as defined under the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) framework in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system:

TEER 0 Occupations: Management Roles

Management roles typically involve decision-making authority, strategic oversight, and leadership within organizations. These roles often require significant experience and advanced qualifications. Examples of eligible TEER 0 occupations include:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Marketing Managers
• Financial Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Sales Managers

TEER 1 Occupations: Roles Requiring a University Degree

TEER 1 includes professions that generally require a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or professional degrees). These jobs are highly skilled and critical to various industries in Canada. Examples include:

• Software Engineers
• Physicians
• Accountants
• Civil Engineers
• Lawyers

Specific TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations: Skilled Trades and Technical Roles

TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations encompass skilled trades and technical roles essential to sectors like construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. However, not all TEER 2 and TEER 3 roles qualify under the SOWP criteria. IRCC has outlined specific eligible occupations, including:

TEER 2 Occupations

• Industrial Electricians
• Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Construction Estimators

TEER 3 Occupations

• Automotive Service Technicians
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Plumbers
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Medical Laboratory Technicians

By focusing on these eligible TEER categories, IRCC aims to align the SOWP program with labor market priorities, ensuring that spouses of foreign workers contribute to high-demand fields across the country.

2. Work Permit Validity Requirement

In addition to the occupational eligibility, the principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months of validity remaining on their work permit at the time of the SOWP application.

This condition is critical because it ensures that the spouse’s work permit aligns with the remaining duration of the principal worker’s employment in Canada. A longer validity period helps families maintain stability and provides sufficient time for both partners to integrate into the workforce and contribute to Canada’s economy.

What This Means for Applicants

The updated eligibility criteria ensure that the SOWP program is targeted toward spouses of foreign workers who are actively contributing to Canada’s economy in meaningful and in-demand roles. Spouses granted an open work permit under these rules are free to work for any employer in Canada, without requiring a specific job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

These changes underscore IRCC’s commitment to:

• Strengthening family unity.
• Supporting Canada’s economic growth.
• Attracting skilled professionals to address labor shortages in critical sectors.

Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for Spousal Open Work Permits

Below is the list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system that qualify for the Spousal Open Work Permit:

Here’s a comprehensive list of occupations grouped by their respective NOC categories. This can be used for your blog post to provide clear and organized information:

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

1. Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians, and Inspectors – NOC 22313
2. Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics – NOC 22312
3. Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) – NOC 22311
4. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22310
5. Construction Estimators – NOC 22303
6. Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22302
7. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22301
8. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22300
9. Construction Inspectors – NOC 22233
10. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists – NOC 22232
11. Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers – NOC 22231
12. Non-Destructive Testers and Inspectors – NOC 22230
13. Information Systems Testing Technicians – NOC 22222
14. User Support Technicians – NOC 22221
15. Computer Network and Web Technicians – NOC 22220
16. Technical Occupations in Geomatics and Meteorology – NOC 22214
17. Land Survey Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22213
18. Drafting Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22212
19. Industrial Designers – NOC 22211
20. Architectural Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22210
21. Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and Specialists – NOC 22114
22. Conservation and Fishery Officers – NOC 22113
23. Forestry Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22112
24. Agricultural and Fish Products Inspectors – NOC 22111
25. Biological Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22110
26. Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22101
27. Chemical Technologists and Technicians – NOC 22100

NOC Group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health

1. Opticians – NOC 32100
2. Licensed Practical Nurses – NOC 32101
3. Paramedical Occupations – NOC 32102
4. Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists – NOC 32103
5. Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians – NOC 32104
6. Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment – NOC 32109
7. Denturists – NOC 32110
8. Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists – NOC 32111
9. Dental Technologists and Technicians – NOC 32112
10. Medical Laboratory Technologists – NOC 32120
11. Medical Radiation Technologists – NOC 32121
12. Medical Sonographers – NOC 32122
13. Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists – NOC 32123
14. Pharmacy Technicians – NOC 32124
15. Other Medical Technologists and Technicians – NOC 32129
16. Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists – NOC 32200
17. Massage Therapists – NOC 32201
18. Other Practitioners of Natural Healing – NOC 32209

NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

1. Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants – NOC 33100
2. Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations – NOC 33101
3. Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates – NOC 33102
4. Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants – NOC 33103
5. Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services – NOC 33109

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

1. Specialized Members of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 42102
2. Early Childhood Educators and Assistants – NOC 42202

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

1. Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants – NOC 43100
2. Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 43204

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

1. Athletes – NOC 53200
2. Coaches – NOC 53201

NOC Group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers

1. Contractors and Supervisors, Machining, Metal Forming, Shaping and Erecting Trades – NOC 72010
2. Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Occupations – NOC 72011
3. Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades – NOC 72012
4. Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades – NOC 72013
5. Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers – NOC 72014
6. Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades – NOC 72020
7. Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Equipment Operator Crews – NOC 72021
8. Supervisors, Printing and Related Occupations – NOC 72022
9. Supervisors, Railway Transport Operations – NOC 72023
10. Supervisors, Motor Transport and Other Ground Transit Operators – NOC 72024
11. Supervisors, Mail and Message Distribution Occupations – NOC 72025

NOC Group 73 – General Trades

1. Concrete Finishers – NOC 73100
2. Tilesetters – NOC 73101
3. Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers, and Lathers – NOC 73102
4. Roofers and Shinglers – NOC 73110
5. Glaziers – NOC 73111
6. Painters and Decorators (Except Interior Decorators) – NOC 73112
7. Floor Covering Installers – NOC 73113
8. Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers – NOC 73200

NOC Group 82: Supervisory Roles in Natural Resources

1. Supervisors, Logging and Forestry – NOC Code 82010
2. Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying – NOC Code 82020
3. Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Services – NOC Code 82021
4. Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors – NOC Code 82030
5. Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services – NOC Code 82031

NOC Group 83: Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production

1. Underground Production and Development Miners – NOC Code 83100
2. Oil and Gas Well Drillers, Servicers, Testers, and Related Workers – NOC Code 83101
3. Logging Machinery Operators – NOC Code 83110
4. Fishing Masters and Officers – NOC Code 83120
5. Fishermen/Women – NOC Code 83121

Conclusion

The Canada Spousal Open Work Permit is a gateway to family unity and professional growth. With a clear understanding of the eligible occupations and the application process, you can take advantage of this incredible program.

If you or your spouse are planning to apply for the Spousal Open Work Permit, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and gather all necessary documentation to avoid delays.

Canada welcomes families to grow and thrive together—don’t miss this opportunity!