TEER 2 and TEER 3 Jobs That Can Provide a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada

The Canadian federal government has released a comprehensive list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations that can still qualify for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). This announcement follows policy changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 14, 2025, which restrict SOWP eligibility to spouses of workers in:

• TEER 0 occupations,
• TEER 1 occupations, and
• Select TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations.

Key Updates

To qualify, the primary foreign worker must hold a valid work permit with at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of the spousal application. Under these new regulations, spouses of workers in TEER 4 or TEER 5 jobs are no longer eligible.

The changes, effective from January 21, 2025, do not impact existing valid work permits or eligible renewals issued under previous rules.

Eligible Occupations

Below is a breakdown of the TEER 2 and TEER 3 roles still eligible for SOWPs:

TEER 2

• Technical Occupations in Natural and Applied Sciences (NOC 22): These include roles such as electrical engineering technologists, civil engineering technicians, and construction inspectors.
• Technical Occupations in Health (NOC 32): Licensed practical nurses, dental technologists, and pharmacy technicians are among the eligible roles.
• Front-Line Public Protection (NOC 42): Specialized Armed Forces members and early childhood educators are eligible.
• Technical Trades and Transportation Officers (NOC 72): Occupations include electricians, plumbers, aircraft mechanics, and crane operators.
• Supervisors in Natural Resources and Agriculture (NOC 82): Includes logging and forestry supervisors and agricultural contractors.
   

TEER 3

• Health Services Support (NOC 33): Nurse aides, pharmacy assistants, and dental assistants qualify.
• Education and Public Protection Support (NOC 43): Teacher assistants and operations members of the Armed Forces are eligible.
• Art, Culture, and Sport (NOC 53): Athletes and coaches qualify.
• General Trades (NOC 73): Roles include concrete finishers, transport truck drivers, and pest controllers.
• Natural Resources and Related Production (NOC 83): Underground miners, logging machinery operators, and fishermen are eligible.