Spousal Open Work Permit - January 2025 Updates and Full NOC Code List for Eligible Occupations

Changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit Program: January 21, 2025

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program has undergone significant updates as of January 21, 2025. These changes aim to refine eligibility criteria and provide targeted access to spouses of high-skilled workers in Canada. If you or your family members are considering applying for a SOWP, it’s essential to understand these updates and how they may affect your application.

What Is a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

The Spousal Open Work Permit allows spouses or common-law partners of certain workers and international students to work in Canada without requiring a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The SOWP is designed to support family unity and provide economic opportunities for spouses of those living and working in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for the SOWP

To qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit, both the principal applicant (worker or student) and their spouse/common-law partner must meet specific requirements.

Principal Applicant Requirements

The principal applicant must have:
- A valid work permit, or
- An approval for a work permit (e.g., a port of entry letter of introduction), or
- Authorization to work without a work permit (with exceptions).
The work permit or authorized work must be valid for at least 16 months at the time the spouse’s application is submitted.
The principal applicant must reside or plan to reside in Canada while working.
The principal applicant’s employment must be:
- In a high-skilled occupation under TEER 0 or TEER 1 categories, or
- In one of the eligible high-skilled occupations under TEER 2 or TEER 3 categories.

Spouse/Common-Law Partner Requirements

The spouse or common-law partner must:

Submit their application while the principal applicant’s work permit remains valid.
Demonstrate their relationship with the principal applicant through supporting documents, such as marriage or common-law certification.

Recent Changes to the SOWP Program (Effective January 21, 2025)

Key Updates:

Restricting Eligibility Based on TEER Categories:
- Previously, spouses of workers in all TEER categories could apply for a SOWP. As of January 21, 2025, eligibility is restricted to:
  - All occupations in TEER 0 and TEER 1 categories.
  - Select high-skilled occupations in TEER 2 and TEER 3 categories.
Dependent Children Exclusion:
- Dependent children of principal applicants are no longer eligible for an open work permit under this program.
Renewals for Current Permit Holders:
- Family members who already hold a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) may still be eligible to apply for extensions, even after the changes implemented on January 21, 2025. This provision allows continuity of work authorization under certain conditions.
  Key Points for Renewals:
  1. Validity of Principal Applicant’s Permit: The principal applicant's work permit must remain valid and meet the updated requirements for eligible occupations under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories.
  2. Compliance with Initial Conditions: The spouse or common-law partner must demonstrate that the initial conditions of the work permit were satisfied and provide updated supporting documents.
  3. Timely Application: Renewal applications must be submitted before the current SOWP expires to maintain implied status.
  4. Verification of Eligibility: In cases where the initial SOWP was based on a specific employment relationship, the renewal may require additional verification of ongoing eligibility.
Ineligible Scenarios: Spouses or common-law partners are not eligible for a SOWP if the principal applicant:
- Has a pending or negative decision for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Holds a SOWP themselves.
- Has made a refugee claim or is under a removal order.

Eligible Occupations in TEER 2 and TEER 3

Full List of Eligible Occupations with NOC Codes:

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

TEER 3 Occupations:

33100 – Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services
43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
43204 – Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
53200 – Athletes
53201 – Coaches
73100 – Concrete finishers
73101 – Tile setters
73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
73110 – Roofers and shinglers
73111 – Glaziers
73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
73113 – Floor covering installers
73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
73202 – Pest controllers and fumigators
73209 – Other repairers and servicers
73300 – Transport truck drivers
73301 – Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
73310 – Railway and yard locomotive engineers
73311 – Railway conductors and brakemen/women
73400 – Heavy equipment operators
73401 – Printing press operators
73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
83100 – Underground production and development miners
83101 – Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
83110 – Logging machinery operators
83120 – Fishing masters and officers
83121 – Fishermen/women The following high-skilled occupations in TEER 2 and TEER 3 categories are eligible for the SOWP:

TEER 2 Occupations:

Engineering and Technical Roles:
- 22100 - Chemical technologists and technicians
- 22101 - Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- 22211 - Industrial designers
- 22300 - Civil engineering technologists and technicians
- 22301 - Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- 22302 - Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- 22310 - Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- 22212 - Drafting technologists and technicians
Healthcare Roles:
- 32101 - Licensed practical nurses
- 32120 - Medical laboratory technologists
- 32124 - Pharmacy technicians
- 32112 - Dental technologists and technicians
- 32111 - Dental hygienists and dental therapists
Information Technology Roles:
- 22220 - Computer network and web technicians
- 22221 - User support technicians
- 22222 - Information systems testing technicians

TEER 3 Occupations:

Healthcare and Social Services:
- 33100 - Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- 33102 - Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- 42202 - Early childhood educators and assistants
- 33101 - Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
Construction Trades:
- 73106 - Welders and related machine operators
- 73200 - Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 72100 - Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- 73113 - Floor covering installers
- 72105 - Ironworkers
Transport and Logistics:
- 73300 - Transport truck drivers
- 73310 - Railway and yard locomotive engineers
- 73400 - Heavy equipment operators
- 73301 - Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators
- 73402 - Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction

For the full list of eligible occupations, refer to IRCC’s official website.

What These Changes Mean for Applicants

Higher Skill Emphasis:
- IRCC’s focus on high-skilled roles ensures that SOWPs benefit industries with significant labor demands.
Exclusion of Lower-Skilled Jobs:
- Spouses of workers in TEER 4 and TEER 5 roles are no longer eligible, narrowing the scope of this program.
Increased Processing Requirements:
- Applicants must carefully ensure that the principal applicant’s job falls under eligible categories to avoid refusals.

How to Apply for the SOWP

Prepare Documents:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Proof of principal applicant’s employment (e.g., job offer, pay stubs).
- Copies of the principal applicant’s valid work permit
Submit Application Online:
- Log in to your IRCC account and complete the application form.
- Upload supporting documents and pay the application fee

Conclusion

The recent changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit program reflect IRCC’s commitment to aligning family reunification policies with labor market demands. While the tightened criteria focus on high-skilled occupations, this program continues to support families and contribute to Canada’s economic goals. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need assistance with your application, consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) today.