SOWP eligible NOC codes: which jobs let your spouse get an open work permit

A spousal open work permit (SOWP) lets the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker work for almost any employer in Canada. Since January 21, 2025, eligibility depends heavily on the worker's NOC code.

Source: IRCC, "Open work permits for family members of foreign workers: Who can apply" (modified 2026-06-12). IRCC can change the list, so check its page before you apply.

The NOC rule in short

For SOWP applications submitted on or after January 21, 2025, the principal foreign worker must be working in:

• any TEER 0 job (management), or
• any TEER 1 job (usually needs a degree), or
• a selected TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupation, from a list IRCC published for sectors with labour shortages or government priorities.

TEER 4 and TEER 5 jobs do not qualify. The worker's permit must also have at least 16 months left when the spouse applies.

Different rules apply to spouses of international students and to some special cases, such as workers covered by free trade agreements or those on certain pathways to PR.

Eligible TEER 2 and 3 NOC codes (full list)

These are the 137 TEER 2 and 3 occupations on IRCC's list (105 TEER 2, 32 TEER 3), taken from IRCC's eligibility page last modified on 2026-06-12. Every nocfinder code page also shows whether the code qualifies.

TEER 2 occupations eligible for SOWP (105)

TEER 3 occupations eligible for SOWP (32)

To check a job:

1. Find the worker's NOC code (how to find it).
2. Read its TEER from the second digit. TEER 0 or 1 qualifies on its own.
3. If it is TEER 2 or 3, look for the code in the tables above.

TEER quick lists

• TEER 0 jobs and TEER 1 jobs: eligible occupations for SOWP
• TEER 2 jobs and TEER 3 jobs: only the selected occupations
• TEER 4 and TEER 5: not eligible

Common questions about SOWP and NOC

The worker's job offer says one code, but their duties match another. IRCC looks at the code on the work permit and the job itself. If the duties really match a different code, sort that out with the employer before applying.

The worker changed jobs. Eligibility is based on the current job and permit. A new job in a non-eligible code can affect the spouse's next application.

Processing time and fees change often. IRCC publishes current SOWP processing times on its website.

Common questions

Which NOC codes are eligible for SOWP?

For applications made on or after January 21, 2025, the worker must be in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 job, or in one of the TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations IRCC has selected. TEER 4 and 5 jobs do not qualify.

How long must the worker's permit be valid?

Under the January 2025 rules, the principal worker's work permit must have at least 16 months left when the spouse applies.

Can children of workers still get open work permits?

The January 2025 changes removed open work permit eligibility for most dependent children of workers. Check IRCC for the current rules and exceptions.