Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligible Occupations under TEER 2 and TEER 3
The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers in Canada to work for any employer without needing a specific job offer. This initiative aims to promote family unity and provide economic opportunities for accompanying family members.
Eligibility Criteria for SOWP
To be eligible for the SOWP, the principal foreign worker in Canada must be employed in an occupation classified under the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. These categories encompass a wide range of skilled professions.
TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations
Below is a comprehensive list of occupations under TEER 2 and TEER 3 categories:
TEER 2 Occupations:
- 22100: Laboratory technologists
- 22101: Chemical technologists
- 22110: Biological technologists
- 22111: Forestry technologists
- 22112: Agricultural technologists
- 22113: Fishery technologists
- 22114: Resource technologists
- 22210: Geological technologists
- 22211: Geomatics technologists
- 22212: Meteorological technologists
- 22213: Environmental technologists
- 22214: Conservation technologists
- 22220: Civil engineering technologists
- 22221: Mechanical engineering technologists
- 22222: Electrical engineering technologists
- 22230: Industrial engineering technologists
- 22231: Manufacturing technologists
- 22232: Production technologists
- 22233: Quality control technologists
- 22300: Construction inspectors
- 22301: Construction estimators
- 22302: Building inspectors
- 22303: Home inspectors
- 22310: Land survey technologists
- 22311: Mapping technologists
- 22312: Hydrographic technologists
- 22313: Photogrammetric technologists
- 32100: Medical laboratory technologists
- 32101: Medical radiation technologists
- 32102: Respiratory therapists
- 32103: Cardiology technologists
- 32104: Electroneurophysiology technologists
- 32109: Other medical technologists
- 32110: Pharmacy technologists
- 32111: Dietetic technologists
- 32112: Occupational therapy assistants
- 32120: Physiotherapy assistants
- 32121: Massage therapists
- 32122: Kinesiologists
- 32123: Orthopedic technologists
- 32124: Rehabilitation assistants
- 32200: Dental hygienists
- 32201: Dental technologists
- 32209: Other dental technologists
- 42102: Early childhood educators
- 42202: Educational assistants
- 72010: Contractors and supervisors, trades
- 72011: Supervisors, processing occupations
- 72012: Supervisors, assembly occupations
- 72013: Supervisors, transport operations
- 72014: Supervisors, railway transport operations
- 72020: Supervisors, motor transport operations
- 72021: Supervisors, marine transport operations
- 72022: Supervisors, air transport operations
- 72023: Supervisors, postal and courier services
- 72024: Supervisors, supply chain operations
- 72025: Supervisors, cleaning and maintenance
- 72100: Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades
- 72101: Contractors and supervisors, mechanical trades
- 72102: Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
- 72103: Contractors and supervisors, bricklaying trades
- 72104: Contractors and supervisors, roofing trades
- 72105: Contractors and supervisors, painting trades
- 72106: Contractors and supervisors, plumbing trades
- 72200: Supervisors, mining and quarrying
- 72201: Supervisors, oil and gas drilling
- 72202: Supervisors, logging and forestry
- 72203: Supervisors, fishing and trapping
- 72204: Supervisors, agriculture and horticulture
- 72205: Supervisors, aquaculture and marine harvest
- 72300: Machinists and machining tool operators
- 72301: Tool and die makers
- 72302: Sheet metal workers
- 72310: Boilermakers
- 72311: Structural metal fabricators
- 72320: Welders and related machine operators
- 72321: Forging machine operators
- 72400: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72401: Industrial electricians
- 72402: Power system electricians
- 72403: Electrical power line and cable workers
- 72404: Telecommunications line and cable workers
- 72405: Telecommunications equipment installers
- 72406: Cable television service technicians
- 72410: Plumbers
- 72411: Steamfitters and pipefitters
- 72420: Gas fitters
- 72421: Sprinkler system installers
- 72422: Heating and refrigeration mechanics
- 72423: Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
- 72429: Other construction trades
- 72500: Carpenters
- 72501: Cabinetmakers
- 72600: Bricklayers
- 72601: Stone masons
- 72602: Concrete finishers
- 72602: Boilermakers
- 72603: Ironworkers
- 72604: Sheet metal workers
- 72999: Other trades workers not elsewhere classified
- 82010: Supervisors, mining and quarrying
- 82020: Supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
- 82021: Supervisors, logging and forestry
- 82030: Supervisors, underground mining and tunneling
- 82031: Supervisors, surface mining and quarrying
TEER 3 Occupations:
- 33100: Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- 33101: Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
- 33102: Pharmacy assistants
- 33103: Opticianry assistants and other healthcare support occupations
- 33109: Other technical occupations in health care not elsewhere classified
- 43100: Police officers (except commissioned)
- 43204: Firefighters
- 53200: Early childhood educators and assistants
- 53201: Child and youth care workers
- 73100: Transport truck drivers
- 73101: Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators
- 73102: Heavy equipment operators
- 73110: Railway and yard locomotive engineers
- 73111: Railway conductors and brakemen
- 73112: Deck officers, water transport
- 73113: Engineer officers, water transport
- 73200: Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying, and construction
- 73201: Logging machinery operators
- 73202: Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers, and related workers
- 73209: Other operators in surface mining, quarrying, and construction
- 73300: General farm workers
- 73301: Nursery and greenhouse workers
- 73310: Landscaping and grounds maintenance laborers
- 73311: Harvesting laborers
- 73400: Fishing vessel deckhands
- 73401: Aquaculture and marine harvest laborers
- 73402: Fish plant workers
- 83100: Underground mine service and support workers
- 83101: Oil and gas well service operators
- 83110: Oil and gas drilling and related workers
- 83120: Logging and forestry workers
- 83121: Other specialized workers in logging and forestry
Importance of Understanding NOC Codes for SOWP Applications
NOC codes serve as a vital component in the SOWP application process. They help determine if the primary applicant’s occupation qualifies under the TEER 2 and TEER 3 categories. Choosing the correct NOC code is essential for aligning with the Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
Applicants must ensure their job roles match the corresponding job descriptions under these codes to increase their chances of approval. If the listed occupation falls under TEER 2 or TEER 3, it becomes easier for spouses or partners to secure a work permit and build their career in Canada.
Final Thoughts
The recent updates to the TEER categories provide clear pathways for skilled workers and their families to thrive in Canada. By understanding the eligible occupations under TEER 2 and TEER 3, applicants can better position themselves for success.
Refer to the full list of NOC codes above to check eligibility. Stay informed and ensure your application aligns with IRCC guidelines for a smooth immigration process.
