Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Updates
Canada’s immigration policies are evolving, and the Canada Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) has undergone significant updates. Effective January 21, 2025, the new changes redefine eligibility, focusing on specific occupations classified under Canada’s TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) system.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the updated criteria, a list of qualifying occupations, and the steps to apply for a SOWP. Whether you’re already in Canada or planning to move, staying informed is the key to success.
Table of Contents
1. [What’s New with the SOWP Program](#what-new-with-the-sowp) 2. [Why These Changes Matter](#why-these-changes-matter) 3. [What Is TEER and Why Is It Important](#what-is-teer-and-why-is-it-important) 4. [Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for SOWPs](#eligible-teer-2-and-teer-3-occupations-for-sowp) - [NOC Group 22 – Natural and Applied Sciences](#noc-group-22) - [NOC Group 32 – Healthcare Occupations](#noc-group-32) - [NOC Group 72 – Trades and Technical Roles](#noc-group-72) - [NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services](#noc-group-33) - [NOC Group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and Legal, Public Protection](#noc-group-43) - [NOC Group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport](#noc-group-53) - [NOC Group 73 – General Trades](#noc-group-73) - [NOC Group 82: Supervisory Roles in Natural Resources](#noc-group-82) - [NOC Group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production](#noc-group-83) 5. [Steps to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit](#steps-to-apply-for-a-sowp) 6. [How to Find Your NOC Code](#how-to-find-your-noc-code) 7. [Conclusion](#conclusion) 8. [Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)](#faqs)What’s New with the SOWP Program
On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to the SOWP program. Here’s what’s new:
1. Eligibility Based on TEER Levels:
Spouses of foreign workers qualify for SOWPs only if the foreign worker is employed in:
- TEER 0 (executive and managerial roles).
- TEER 1 (professional occupations).
- Select occupations under TEER 2 and TEER 3 (skilled trades and technical jobs).
2. 16-Month Work Permit Rule:
The principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of application.
3. Exclusion of Lower-Skilled Occupations:
Spouses of foreign workers in lower-skilled or TEER 4 and 5 occupations are no longer eligible for SOWPs. These changes aim to align Canada’s immigration policies with its economic goals by prioritizing high-demand and skilled professions.
Why These Changes Matter
The revised policy reflects Canada’s focus on attracting skilled talent to fill critical gaps in its labor market. By narrowing eligibility to specific occupations, the government ensures:
- Targeted economic growth by prioritizing skilled workers.
- Fairness and efficiency in immigration programs.
- Opportunities for foreign workers to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s economy.
What Is TEER and Why Is It Important
TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is part of Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. It categorizes jobs into five levels based on the skill required:
- TEER 0: Executive and managerial roles.
- TEER 1: Professional jobs requiring university degrees.
- TEER 2: Jobs requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship training.
- TEER 3: Roles requiring post-secondary education or specialized training.
- TEER 4 & 5: Semi-skilled and entry-level jobs (not eligible for SOWPs).
This classification helps identify occupations that qualify for immigration and work permits.
Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for SOWPs
The following occupations under TEER 2 and TEER 3 remain eligible for SOWPs:
NOC Group 22 – Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences
| Occupation | 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 | 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 72 – Trades and Technical Roles
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations | 72010 |
| Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations | 72011 |
| Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades | 72012 |
| Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades | 72013 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers | 72014 |
| Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades | 72020 |
| Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews | 72021 |
| Supervisors, printing and related occupations | 72022 |
| Supervisors, railway transport operations | 72023 |
| Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators | 72024 |
| Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations | 72025 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 |
| Tool and die makers | 72101 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 |
| Boilermakers | 72103 |
| Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters | 72104 |
| Ironworkers | 72105 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Power system electricians | 72202 |
NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| 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
| Job 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
| Role | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Athletes | 53200 |
| Coaches | 53201 |
NOC Group 73 – General Trades
| Profession | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| 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
| Job 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 |
NOC Group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Underground production and development miners | 83100 |
| Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers | 83101 |
| Logging machinery operators | 83110 |
| Fishing masters and officers | 83120 |
| Fishermen/women | 83121 |
For the full list of eligible occupations, refer to IRCC’s NOC Classification Guide.
Steps to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit
If your spouse meets the updated criteria, follow these steps to apply for a SOWP:
- Check Eligibility: Use IRCC’s eligibility questionnaire to determine if you qualify.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Evidence of the foreign worker’s employment in an eligible TEER occupation.
- Confirmation of at least 16 months remaining on the worker’s permit.
- Submit Your Application Online:
- Log in to your IRCC secure account.
- Upload documents and pay the required fees.
- Await Decision: Processing times vary based on the applicant’s location.
How to Find Your NOC Code
Finding your correct NOC code is crucial for eligibility. Here’s how to identify it:
- Compare Job Duties: Match your job responsibilities to the lead statement and duties listed under the NOC.
- Use the NOC Finder Tool: Available on IRCC’s website.
- Verify the Details: Ensure your job title and responsibilities align with at least 51% of the tasks listed under the NOC.
Conclusion
The updated SOWP rules reflect Canada’s strategic focus on skilled occupations and economic growth. For foreign workers and their spouses, these changes emphasize the importance of aligning with eligible roles and preparing a strong application.
If you or your spouse are affected by these updates, staying informed is your first step toward navigating the process successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the key changes to the SOWP program in 2025?
Ans: The major updates include:
- Eligibility is now based on the TEER classification system, specifically TEER 0, 1, and selected TEER 2 and 3 occupations.
- The foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit.
- Spouses of workers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations are no longer eligible for SOWPs.
Q2. What is TEER, and why is it important for SOWP eligibility?
Ans: TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system that organizes jobs by skill level. TEER 0 and 1 are high-skill categories, while TEER 2 and 3 include trades and technical roles. Only certain occupations in TEER 2 and 3 qualify for SOWPs under the new rules.
Q3. What occupations qualify under TEER 2 and TEER 3 for SOWPs?
Ans: Some eligible occupations include:
- NOC Group 22 (Natural and Applied Sciences): Civil engineering technologists (22300), Drafting technologists (22212).
- NOC Group 32 (Healthcare Occupations): Licensed practical nurses (32101), Medical sonographers (32122).
- NOC Group 72 (Trades and Technical Roles): Welders (72106), Electricians (72200).
Q4. How do I apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit?
Ans: To apply, follow these steps:
- Check eligibility using IRCC’s questionnaire.
- Gather required documents such as proof of relationship, evidence of the foreign worker’s employment, and confirmation of at least 16 months on their work permit.
- Submit the application online through your IRCC account and await a decision.
To search and compare programs in top universities in the UK and Canada, including popular courses, scholarships, and admission requirements, please click the following link: www.educationplanner.io/programs.
Stay ahead in your journey to study abroad! Follow Mandeep Singh for personalized guidance, expert tips, and the latest updates on immigration and study abroad opportunities.
