In 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its rules regarding family open work permits (SOWPs). The new rules focus on limiting the availability of open work permits for spouses of foreign workers, and only those working in TEER 0, TEER 1, and select TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations remain eligible. This article outlines which TEER 2 and 3 jobs qualify for a family open work permit and what the new changes mean for foreign workers and their spouses.
TEER 2 and 3 Jobs Eligible for Family Spouse Open Work Permits in Canada – 2025 Update
Understanding the TEER System and Its Impact on Work Permits
The TEER system, which stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities, classifies occupations in Canada based on skill levels. This system helps determine which jobs are eligible for work permits and Permanent Residency (PR) applications.
- TEER 0 and TEER 1 jobs typically involve higher-skilled professions, such as management or professional roles.
- TEER 2 jobs require post-secondary education and training, while TEER 3 jobs involve occupations with skills acquired through a combination of education and on-the-job experience.
Spouses of foreign workers in these eligible occupations may still qualify for a family open work permit. Let’s explore the specific TEER 2 and 3 jobs that remain eligible.
TEER 2 Jobs Still Eligible for a Family Open Work Permit
Below are some TEER 2 occupations in Canada that qualify for the family open work permit for spouses of foreign workers:
NOC Group 22 – Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Instrument, Electrical & Avionics Mechanics | 22313 |
| Industrial Instrument Technicians | 22312 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists | 22310 |
| Construction Estimators | 22303 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | 22232 |
| Engineering Inspectors & Regulatory Officers | 22231 |
NOC Group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Opticians | 32100 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 32101 |
| Paramedical Occupations | 32102 |
| Dental Hygienists | 32111 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 32124 |
NOC Group 42 – Front-Line Public Protection Services
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Educators | 42202 |
NOC Group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical Trades | 72011 |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | 72021 |
| Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 |
TEER 3 Jobs Still Eligible for a Family Open Work Permit
Here are some TEER 3 occupations that still make spouses eligible for a family open work permit:
NOC Group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistants | 33100 |
| Medical Laboratory Assistants | 33101 |
| Pharmacy Technical Assistants | 33103 |
NOC Group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and Legal Services
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 |
NOC Group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Athletes | 53200 |
NOC Group 73 – General Trades
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Concrete Finishers | 73100 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 |
How to Find Your Occupation’s NOC Code
To determine if your occupation qualifies for a family open work permit, you need to find your job’s NOC code. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups occupations based on responsibilities and duties.
- Step 1: Check your job title and compare it with the duties listed in the NOC system.
- Step 2: If your role matches the listed duties (at least 51% of the main duties), then you can determine your NOC code.
Visit the official NOC website to search for your NOC code and confirm whether your occupation qualifies.
How to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
If your spouse works in one of the eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs, they can apply for a spousal open work permit under the new rules. Here’s a simple guide on how to apply:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that the principal applicant’s occupation is eligible and they have at least 16 months left on their work permit.
- Visit IRCC’s Eligibility Questionnaire: Complete the questionnaire to receive a tailored document checklist.
- Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including:
- Proof of relationship to the principal applicant.
- Proof of the applicant’s ability to legally work in Canada.
- Proof that the principal applicant works in an eligible TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
- Register with IRCC: Log in to an IRCC secure account and submit your application.
- Submit Payment: After reviewing your application, submit the required payment to complete your application.
Once your application is submitted, you should receive confirmation, and your spouse can begin working in Canada while waiting for their permit approval.
Background on the Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits
These new measures are part of Canada’s broader initiative to manage the temporary resident population. The spousal open work permit rules were updated in September 2024, with eligibility narrowed to spouses of workers in specific high-demand occupations, such as those in healthcare and trades.
Government Goals for Spousal Work Permits:
- Limit the issuance of SOWPs to reduce the temporary resident population.
- Align the eligibility with occupations that are part of Canada’s Federal Economic Priorities for skilled workers.
What This Means for Spouses of Foreign Workers
With the updated TEER 2 and TEER 3 jobs eligible for a family open work permit, spouses of foreign workers have the opportunity to work in Canada while their partner fulfills their employment requirements. The new SOWP rules ensure that only those in high-demand, skilled occupations can access these permits, which helps address labor shortages in critical sectors.
By understanding which occupations are eligible and following the correct application steps, both foreign workers and their spouses can successfully navigate the Canadian immigration system and build a brighter future in Canada.
