Important Changes for TEER 2 and 3 Occupations As of January 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant changes to the
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Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligibility Guide
Important Changes for TEER 2 and 3 Occupations
As of January 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit program. This comprehensive guide details the current eligibility requirements and qualifying occupations under the new regulations.
Key Requirements
For a spouse or partner to be eligible for an open work permit, the primary work permit holder must:
1. Work in one of these categories:
– TEER 0 (management occupations)
– TEER 1 (professional occupations)
– Select TEER 2 and 3 occupations (detailed below)
2. Have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of their spouse’s SOWP application
Understanding TEER Classifications
TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is the federal government’s method of classifying occupational skill levels, ranging from TEER 0 (highest skilled) to TEER 5 (lowest skilled).
Eligible TEER 2 Occupations by NOC Group
NOC Group 22 – Technical Occupations in Natural and Applied Sciences
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics (NOC 22313)
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (NOC 22312)
Electronic service technicians (NOC 22311)
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists (NOC 22310)
Construction estimators (NOC 22303)
Industrial engineering technologists (NOC 22302)
Mechanical engineering technologists (NOC 22301)
Civil engineering technologists (NOC 22300)
Construction inspectors (NOC 22233)
Occupational health and safety specialists (NOC 22232)
Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers (NOC 22231)
Non-destructive testers and inspectors (NOC 22230)
Information systems testing technicians (NOC 22222)
User support technicians (NOC 22221)
Computer network technicians (NOC 22220)
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology (NOC 22214)
Land survey technologists (NOC 22213)
Drafting technologists (NOC 22212)
Industrial designers (NOC 22211)
Architectural technologists (NOC 22210)
Landscape and horticulture technicians (NOC 22114)
Conservation and fishery officers (NOC 22113)
Forestry technologists (NOC 22112)
Agricultural inspectors (NOC 22111)
Biological technologists (NOC 22110)
Geological technologists (NOC 22101)
Chemical technologists (NOC 22100)
NOC Group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health
Opticians (NOC 32100)
Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101)
Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102)
Respiratory therapists (NOC 32103)
Veterinary technicians (NOC 32104)
Other therapy technicians (NOC 32109)
Denturists (NOC 32110)
Dental hygienists (NOC 32111)
Dental technologists (NOC 32112)
Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120)
Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)
Medical sonographers (NOC 32122)
Cardiology technologists (NOC 32123)
Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
Other medical technologists (NOC 32129)
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners (NOC 32200)
Massage therapists (NOC 32201)
Natural healing practitioners (NOC 32209)
NOC Group 42 – Front-Line Public Protection Services
Specialized Canadian Armed Forces members (NOC 42102)
Early childhood educators (NOC 42202)
NOC Group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers
Trade supervisors and contractors (NOC 72010-72025)
Machinists and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100)
Metal workers and welders (NOC 72101-72106)
Electricians and power workers (NOC 72200-72205)
Plumbers and pipefitters (NOC 72300-72302)
Carpenters and cabinetmakers (NOC 72310-72311)
Construction trades (NOC 72320-72321)
Mechanics and technicians (NOC 72400-72429)
Equipment operators (NOC 72500-72501)
Transportation officers (NOC 72600-72604)
NOC Group 82 – Natural Resources Supervisors
Logging and forestry supervisors (NOC 82010)
Mining supervisors (NOC 82020)
Oil and gas supervisors (NOC 82021)
Agricultural supervisors (NOC 82030)
Landscaping supervisors (NOC 82031)
Eligible TEER 3 Occupations by NOC Group
NOC Group 33 – Health Services Support
Dental assistants (NOC 33100)
Medical laboratory assistants (NOC 33101)
Nurse aides and orderlies (NOC 33102)
Pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103)
Other health support services (NOC 33109)
NOC Group 43 – Education and Public Protection Support
Teacher assistants (NOC 43100)
Armed Forces operations members (NOC 43204)
NOC Group 53 – Sports and Athletics
Athletes (NOC 53200)
Coaches (NOC 53201)
NOC Group 73 – General Trades
Construction finishers (NOC 73100-73113)
Building services (NOC 73200-73209)
Transportation operators (NOC 73300-73311)
Heavy equipment and printing operators (NOC 73400-73402)
NOC Group 83 – Natural Resources Operations
Miners (NOC 83100)
Oil and gas workers (NOC 83101)
Logging operators (NOC 83110)
Fishing vessel personnel (NOC 83120-83121)
Important Notes for NOC Code Determination
When determining your NOC code:
1. Focus on duties performed rather than job title
2. You must perform all duties in the NOC lead statement
3. At least 51% of main duties must be performed
4. Compare your actual work responsibilities to NOC descriptions
How NewSteps Immigration Can Help
Our experienced immigration consultants can:
– Precisely determine your NOC code and TEER level
– Assess SOWP eligibility under the new regulations
– Guide you through documentation requirements
– Ensure compliance with IRCC guidelines
– Provide ongoing support throughout the process
For personalized assistance with your SOWP application, contact NewSteps Immigration to schedule a consultation with our licensed immigration professionals.