New Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits: 2025

Starting January 21, 2025, you’ll face new restrictions on spousal open work permits in Canada. You’ll only qualify if your spouse works in TEER 0-1 occupations or select TEER 2-3 positions, with at least 16 months remaining on their work permit. If you’re an international student’s spouse, you’ll need your partner to be enrolled in specific master’s, doctoral, or professional programs. Understanding these changes and TEER categories will help you navigate the new requirements effectively.

Key Changes to Spousal Work Permit Eligibility

As Canada implements significant changes to its spousal work permit program in 2025, you’ll need to understand the new restrictions that limit eligibility based on specific occupational categories and program types.

Starting January 21, 2025, if you’re the spouse of a foreign worker, you can only apply for an open work permit if your partner works in TEER 0 or 1 occupations or select TEER 2 and 3 positions linked to labour shortages.

Your partner must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when you apply.

For international students’ spouses, eligibility is now restricted to those whose partners are enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, or specific professional programs.

Dependent children of temporary foreign workers won’t qualify for open work permits anymore.

Understanding TEER Categories and Eligible Occupations

When applying for a spousal open work permit in 2025, you’ll need to understand the TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) system that classifies different occupational skill levels.

The new regulations primarily focus on TEER 0 and 1 occupations, which include management positions and jobs requiring university degrees.

You’ll find that select TEER 2 and 3 positions are also eligible, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades. These categories include technologists, medical professionals, health service assistants, and various trade specialists.

Your spouse’s occupation must align with these TEER categories and have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit for you to qualify.

The government maintains a specific list of eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations, which they’ll update based on labour market needs.

TEER 2 jobs still eligible for a family OWP

NOC group 22 – Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences

Occupation title	NOC Code
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors	22313
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics	22312
Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)	22311
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians	22310
Construction estimators	22303
Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians	22302
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians	22301
Civil engineering technologists and technicians	22300
Construction inspectors	22233
Occupational health and safety specialists	22232
Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers	22231
Non-destructive testers and inspectors	22230
Information systems testing technicians	22222
User support technicians	22221
Computer network and web technicians	22220
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology	22214
Land survey technologists and technicians	22213
Drafting technologists and technicians	22212
Industrial designers	22211
Architectural technologists and technicians	22210
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists	22114
Conservation and fishery officers	22113
Forestry technologists and technicians	22112
Agricultural and fish products inspectors	22111
Biological technologists and technicians	22110
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians	22101
Chemical technologists and technicians	22100

NOC group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Opticians	32100
Licensed practical nurses	32101
Paramedical occupations	32102
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists	32103
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians	32104
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment	32109
Denturists	32110
Dental hygienists and dental therapists	32111
Dental technologists and technicians	32112
Medical laboratory technologists	32120
Medical radiation technologists	32121
Medical sonographers	32122
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists	32123
Pharmacy technicians	32124
Other medical technologists and technicians	32129
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists	32200
Massage therapists	32201
Other practitioners of natural healing	32209

NOC group 42 – Front-Line Public Protection Services and Paraprofessional Occupations in Legal, Social, Community, Education Services

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces	42102
Early childhood educators and assistants	42202

NOC group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations	72010
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations	72011
Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades	72012
Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades	72013
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers	72014
Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades	72020
Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews	72021
Supervisors, printing and related occupations	72022
Supervisors, railway transport operations	72023
Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators	72024
Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations	72025
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	72100
Tool and die makers	72101
Sheet metal workers	72102
Boilermakers	72103
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters	72104
Ironworkers	72105
Welders and related machine operators	72106
Electricians (except industrial and power system)	72200
Industrial electricians	72201
Power system electricians	72202
Electrical power line and cable workers	72203
Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers	72204
Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians	72205
Plumbers	72300
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers	72301
Gas fitters	72302
Carpenters	72310
Cabinetmakers	72311
Bricklayers	72320
Insulators	72321
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	72400
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics	72401
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics	72402
Railway carmen/women	72403
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors	72404
Machine fitters	72405
Elevator constructors and mechanics	72406
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers	72410
Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators	72411
Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics	72420
Appliance servicers and repairers	72421
Electrical mechanics	72422
Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics	72423
Other small engine and small equipment repairers	72429
Crane operators	72500
Water well drillers	72501
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors	72600
Air traffic controllers and related occupations	72601
Deck officers, water transport	72602
Engineer officers, water transport	72603
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators	72604
Other technical trades and related occupations	72999

NOC group 82 – Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Supervisors, logging and forestry	82010
Supervisors, mining and quarrying	82020
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services	82021
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors	82030
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services	82031

TEER 3 jobs still eligible for a family OWP

NOC group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants	33100
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations	33101
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	33102
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants	33103
Other assisting occupations in support of health services	33109

NOC group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and in Legal and Public Protection

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants	43100
Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces	43204

NOC group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Athletes	53200
Coaches	53201

NOC group 73 – General Trades

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Concrete finishers	73100
Tilesetters	73101
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers	73102
Roofers and shinglers	73110
Glaziers	73111
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators	73112
Floor covering installers	73113
Residential and commercial installers and servicers	73200
General building maintenance workers and building superintendents	73201
Pest controllers and fumigators	73202
Other repairers and servicers	73209
Transport truck drivers	73300
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators	73301
Railway and yard locomotive engineers	73310
Railway conductors and brakemen/women	73311
Heavy equipment operators	73400
Printing press operators	73401
Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction	73402

NOC group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production

Occupation Title	NOC Code
Underground production and development miners	83100
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers	83101
Logging machinery operators	83110
Fishing masters and officers	83120
Fishermen/women	83121

Timeline and Implementation Details

Building on your understanding of TEER categories, you’ll want to know the specific timeline for implementing these new spousal work permit regulations.

The changes take effect on January 21, 2025, and they’ll immediately impact all new applications for spousal open work permits.

If you’re currently holding a valid work permit, you won’t need to worry – your permit remains valid until its expiry date.

You should note that the implementation doesn’t affect spouses of foreign workers under free-trade agreements or those moving to permanent residence.

For new applications, you’ll need to guarantee your spouse’s work permit has at least 16 months of validity remaining when you apply, and their occupation falls within the eligible TEER categories.

Impact on International Student Spouses

The new regulations considerably narrow the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students seeking open work permits in Canada.

If you’re married to an international student, you’ll now only qualify for an open work permit if your spouse is enrolled in specific programs.

You can obtain a work permit if your spouse is pursuing a master’s program that’s 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or select professional programs.

These professional programs include areas like medicine, law, and nursing. If your spouse’s program doesn’t fall into these categories, you won’t be eligible for an open work permit.

It’s important to note that if you currently hold a valid open work permit, you can continue using it until its expiry date, regardless of these new restrictions.

Requirements for Foreign Worker Spouses

Under Canada’s new regulations, spouses of foreign workers face three key eligibility requirements to obtain an open work permit.

First, the primary worker must be employed in specific occupation levels: either TEER 0, TEER 1 or select TEER 2 and 3 positions that align with labour shortages and government priorities.

Second, your spouse’s work permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining when you submit your application. This requirement guarantees continuous employment authorization throughout the process.

Finally, your spouse must either be currently working in Canada or have received approval for a work permit that hasn’t been issued yet.

If you’re applying as a spouse, you’ll need to provide documentation proving these requirements, including your relationship status and your spouse’s employment details.

Application Process and Documentation

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for a spousal open work permit, you’ll need to follow a specific application process and gather the required documentation.

Begin by completing IRCC’s eligibility questionnaire online to receive your personalized document checklist. You’ll need to provide proof of your relationship to the principal applicant and evidence of their legal work authorization in Canada.

Your application must include documentation showing that your spouse or partner will work for at least 16 months after your submission date and verification that they’re employed in an eligible TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.

After gathering these materials, log in to your IRCC secure account, upload your documents, review your application carefully, and submit the required payment to complete the process.

Exceptions and Special Considerations

While most spousal open work permit applicants must meet standard eligibility criteria, several important exceptions exist for specific groups. You’re exempt from the new restrictions if your spouse is working under a free trade agreement or is in the process of shifting to permanent residence. Additionally, if you already hold a valid spousal open work permit, you can continue working until its expiry date.

Category	Exception Details
Free Trade Agreement Workers	Spouses remain eligible for open work permits regardless of TEER level
Permanent Residence Applicants	Spouses maintain eligibility during PR application process
Existing Permit Holders	Current permits remain valid until expiration date

Transition Period Guidelines

To help workers and their spouses adapt to the new regulations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established specific adjustment period guidelines that will be in effect throughout 2025.

IRCC is easing the transition with adjustment guidelines, helping workers and spouses navigate the updated regulations through 2025.

If you’re currently holding a valid spousal open work permit, you’ll be able to continue working until your permit expires.

When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to meet the new eligibility criteria based on your spouse’s TEER level and remaining work permit duration.

If your spouse works in TEER 0, 1, or eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations, you can apply for renewal under the new guidelines.

However, if your spouse’s occupation doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to explore alternative work permit options or adjust your employment plans accordingly.

Long-term Effects on Canadian Immigration

The new restrictions on spousal open work permits will considerably reshape Canada’s immigration landscape over the next decade.

You’ll see a significant reduction in the number of temporary residents, with IRCC projecting 150,000 fewer work permits issued over three years. This change will directly impact Canada’s labour market dynamics, particularly in sectors that have relied heavily on spousal workers.

These restrictions will likely influence how international talent chooses their destination countries. Skilled workers might opt for nations with more flexible family immigration policies.

However, the changes may strengthen Canada’s targeted approach to addressing specific labour shortages, as spouses of workers in TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 and 3 occupations will still qualify for work permits, aligning immigration with the country’s economic priorities.

How Canadian Currents Immigration Can Help

Maneuvering through these new immigration changes requires expert guidance, and that’s where Canadian Currents Immigration can step in to help.

Our team of immigration lawyers, consultants, and paralegals brings decades of combined experience to your case, guaranteeing you’ll receive tailored assistance throughout your SOWP application process.

With decades of collective expertise, our legal specialists provide personalized guidance to streamline your SOWP immigration journey.

We’ll work with you to determine your eligibility under the new 2025 restrictions, gather the necessary documentation, and guide you through each step of the application.

Whether you’re the spouse of a foreign worker in TEER categories or an international student’s partner, we’ll help you navigate the complex requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

Our dedicated professionals will ensure your application meets all current criteria while maximizing your chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Spouses Switch Employers While on an Open Work Permit?

You can switch employers freely while holding an open work permit since it doesn’t tie you to a specific employer, occupation, or location within Canada. That’s the main advantage.

What Happens if the Primary Worker Loses Their Job Mid-Permit?

If your spouse loses their job, you can continue working until your open work permit expires, but you won’t be able to renew it unless they find eligible employment again.

Are Common-Law Partners Eligible for These New Work Permit Regulations?

Yes, you’ll have the same eligibility as married spouses if you can prove your common-law partnership through documentation showing at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation with your partner.

Can Spouses Work Remotely for Employers Outside of Canada?

You can work remotely for employers outside Canada if you have a valid spousal open work permit, but you’ll need to comply with Canadian tax laws and regulations.

Will Medical Examinations Be Required for Spousal Work Permit Applications?

You’ll need a medical exam if you’re working in healthcare, childcare, primary/secondary education, or other occupations where public health is a concern, regardless of work permit type.

Conclusion

You’ll need to carefully plan your spousal work permit strategy before January 2025. If you’re working in Canada or studying in eligible programs, review your TEER category and permit duration to guarantee you meet the new requirements. Remember to verify your occupation’s eligibility and check your remaining work permit time. These changes will greatly impact family immigration, so start preparing now for a smooth shift.