If you are an international graduate working in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), one of the most common questions is: "Can I bring my spouse to Canada on an open work permit?"
The short answer: yes - but only if you work in an eligible occupation. Since January 21, 2025, IRCC no longer approves a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) just because you hold a valid PGWP. What matters now is the job you actually do and how it is classified under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
In this guide, you'll find the complete list of eligible TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 occupations, the 16-month validity rule, the documents you need, and a step-by-step process to invite your spouse or common-law partner to Canada while you are on a PGWP.
What Changed? The New SOWP Rules (Effective January 21, 2025)
Before 2025, the spouse of almost any full-time worker in Canada could apply for an open work permit. That is no longer the case. As part of IRCC's plan to reduce Canada's temporary resident population, the government announced that this change alone was expected to cut SOWP issuance by roughly 150,000 permits over three years.
Under the current rules, the spouse or common-law partner of a PGWP holder (or any foreign worker) can only get an open work permit if all of the following are true:
- You work (or have a job offer to work) in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, OR one of the select eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations on IRCC's approved list.
- Your PGWP is valid for at least 16 more months on the date IRCC receives your spouse's SOWP application.
- You hold valid status in Canada and are (or will be) living and working here.
- You can prove a genuine spousal or common-law relationship.
⚠️ Key point: A PGWP is an open work permit, so it doesn't list an occupation. IRCC therefore looks at your actual employment - your job duties, employment letter, and pay stubs - to decide whether your spouse qualifies. Job duties matter more than job title.
Understanding TEER Categories (Quick Refresher)
Canada classifies every job in the NOC 2021 system into six TEER levels (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities):
| TEER Level | Type of Job | Eligible for SOWP? |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management jobs (e.g., marketing manager, restaurant manager, IT manager) | ✅ All eligible |
| TEER 1 | Jobs usually requiring a university degree (e.g., software engineer, nurse, accountant, financial analyst) | ✅ All eligible |
| TEER 2 | Jobs requiring a college diploma / 2+ year apprenticeship / supervisory roles | ⚠️ Only select occupations |
| TEER 3 | Jobs requiring a college diploma / apprenticeship under 2 years / 6+ months training | ⚠️ Only select occupations |
| TEER 4 | Jobs requiring a high school diploma | ❌ Not eligible |
| TEER 5 | Jobs with short-term work demonstration and no formal education | ❌ Not eligible |
If your PGWP job is TEER 0 or TEER 1, your spouse is eligible - full stop. If your job is TEER 2 or TEER 3, it must appear on the specific list below. If your job is TEER 4 or TEER 5 (e.g., food counter attendant, retail salesperson, cashier, delivery driver, general labourer), your spouse cannot get a SOWP under this stream.
Full List: TEER 2 Jobs Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit
IRCC's eligible TEER 2 and 3 occupations are concentrated in sectors Canada considers priorities: healthcare, skilled trades, construction, natural and applied sciences, transport, education support, natural resources, sports, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Technical Occupations in Natural & Applied Sciences (NOC Group 22)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 |
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 22301 |
| Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians | 22302 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) | 22311 |
| Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics | 22312 |
| Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 |
| Computer network and web technicians | 22220 |
| User support technicians | 22221 |
| Information systems testing technicians | 22222 |
| Non-destructive testers and inspectors | 22230 |
| Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers | 22231 |
| Occupational health and safety specialists | 22232 |
| Construction inspectors | 22233 |
| Architectural technologists and technicians | 22210 |
| Industrial designers | 22211 |
| Drafting technologists and technicians | 22212 |
| Land survey technologists and technicians | 22213 |
| Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology | 22214 |
| Chemical technologists and technicians | 22100 |
| Geological and mineral technologists and technicians | 22101 |
| Biological technologists and technicians | 22110 |
| Agricultural and fish products inspectors | 22111 |
| Forestry technologists and technicians | 22112 |
| Conservation and fishery officers | 22113 |
| Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists | 22114 |
Technical Occupations in Health (NOC Group 32)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Opticians | 32100 |
| Licensed practical nurses (LPN) | 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 |
Education, Legal & Public Protection (NOC Group 42)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Early childhood educators and assistants (ECE) | 42202 |
| Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 |
Technical Trades & Transportation (NOC Group 72)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, machining and metal trades | 72010 |
| Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications | 72011 |
| Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades | 72012 |
| Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades | 72013 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades | 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 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 (HVAC) 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 | 72410 |
| Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians | 72411 |
| Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics | 72420 |
| Appliance servicers and repairers | 72421 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 |
| Motorcycle, ATV 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 |
Supervisors in Natural Resources & Agriculture (NOC Group 82)
| Occupation | 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 and grounds maintenance | 82031 |
Full List: TEER 3 Jobs Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit
Assisting Occupations in Health (NOC Group 33)
| Occupation | 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 |
Education & Public Protection Support (NOC Group 43)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 |
| Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 |
Art, Culture & Sport (NOC Group 53)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Athletes | 53200 |
| Coaches | 53201 |
General Trades (NOC Group 73)
| Occupation | 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 |
Natural Resources & Related Production (NOC Group 83)
| Occupation | 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 |
Which TEER 2 & 3 Jobs Are NOT Eligible?
Even at TEER 2/3 skill level, spouses are no longer eligible if the PGWP holder works in:
- Business, finance and administration occupations (NOC 12xxx and 13xxx) - e.g., administrative officers, bookkeeping-level roles
- Sales and service occupations (NOC 62xxx and 63xxx) - e.g., retail supervisors, chefs/cooks at these codes, food service supervisors
- Manufacturing and utilities occupations (NOC 92xxx and 93xxx) - e.g., manufacturing supervisors, machine operators
This is a critical exclusion because many international graduates work as retail supervisors, food service supervisors and administrative assistants - jobs that were SOWP-eligible before January 2025 but are not anymore.
The 16-Month Rule Explained
Your PGWP must have at least 16 months of validity remaining on the day IRCC receives your spouse's open work permit application.
Example: Your 3-year PGWP expires on 30 November 2027. Your spouse applies on 15 July 2026 - that leaves about 16.5 months, so you meet the requirement. If they applied in September 2026, the application would be refused on validity grounds alone.
Practical tip: Apply for your spouse's SOWP as early as possible after you start an eligible job. Graduates with a 1-year PGWP effectively cannot meet the 16-month rule at all, and those with a 2-year PGWP have only a short window at the start of their permit.
How to Invite Your Spouse to Canada on an Open Work Permit While on PGWP (Step by Step)
- Confirm your NOC code. Search your job on the official NOC 2021 website. Match your actual daily duties to the lead statement and main duties (you should perform the lead statement duties and the majority of the main duties). The title on your offer letter is not enough by itself.
- Check TEER eligibility. TEER 0/1 = eligible. TEER 2/3 = check the list above. TEER 4/5 = not eligible.
- Verify the 16-month rule against your PGWP expiry date.
- Gather documents:
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (12+ months cohabitation) - plus supporting evidence like photos, joint accounts, chat history
- Your PGWP copy and passport
- Employment letter stating your job title, detailed duties, salary, hours and NOC code
- Recent pay stubs (typically 3 months) and/or T4
- Spouse's passport, photographs, and completed forms
- Complete IRCC's online eligibility questionnaire at canada.ca to generate a personal reference code and tailored document checklist.
- Create/log in to an IRCC secure account, select "Visitor visa, study and/or work permit," enter your reference code, upload documents.
- Pay the fees: CAD $255 work permit processing fee + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee (plus biometrics CAD $85 if required).
- Submit and track. Your spouse may apply from inside Canada (if they have valid status) or from outside Canada; processing times differ by country.
Why an Eligible Job on PGWP Matters Beyond the SOWP
Working in a TEER 0–3 occupation on your PGWP doesn't just help your spouse - it builds skilled Canadian work experience that counts toward permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) and many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Once your spouse has an open work permit, their Canadian work experience and language scores can also add valuable CRS points to your Express Entry profile.
What If Your Job Isn't Eligible?
- Switch to an eligible occupation. Since a PGWP is an open permit, you can change employers freely. Moving from a TEER 4 role to a TEER 1–3 role restores your spouse's eligibility (be genuine - IRCC scrutinizes duties, not just titles).
- Your spouse can apply for their own permit - e.g., an employer-specific (LMIA-based) work permit, their own study permit, or a visitor visa to stay with you (visitors cannot work).
- Apply for PR first. If you become a permanent resident, or you sponsor your spouse under in-Canada spousal sponsorship, different open work permit options may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can my spouse get an open work permit if I'm on a PGWP in Canada?
Yes - if you are employed in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, or an eligible TEER 2/3 occupation on IRCC's list, and your PGWP is valid for at least 16 more months when your spouse's application is received.
Q2. My PGWP is valid for only 1 year. Can my spouse apply?
No. A 1-year PGWP cannot satisfy the 16-month remaining-validity requirement.
Q3. I work as a food service supervisor / retail supervisor. Is my spouse eligible?
No. Sales and service occupations under NOC 62xxx/63xxx were removed from eligibility on January 21, 2025, even though they are TEER 2/3.
Q4. Does my job title or my job duties decide the NOC code?
Duties decide. IRCC compares what you actually do against the NOC lead statement and main duties. A mismatched title with inflated duties can lead to refusal or misrepresentation findings.
Q5. How long does a spousal open work permit take to process?
Processing times vary by country and whether the application is made inside or outside Canada - check the IRCC processing times tool for current estimates before applying.
Q6. How long is the spouse's open work permit valid?
Usually it matches the validity of the PGWP holder's permit - your spouse's permit generally cannot outlast yours.
Q7. Can my spouse work anywhere in Canada on a SOWP?
Yes. An open work permit is not tied to one employer, job or province (except a few restricted occupations that require medical exams or have other conditions).
Q8. What happens if I lose my eligible job after my spouse gets the SOWP?
Permits already issued remain valid until expiry. However, eligibility is reassessed at renewal, so you'd need an eligible job again for an extension.
Q9. Can common-law partners apply, or only married spouses?
Both. A common-law partner qualifies after 12 continuous months of cohabitation, with strong documentary proof.
Q10. Do these rules also apply while I'm still a student?
Student rules are stricter. Since January 2025, only spouses of students in doctoral programs, master's programs of 16+ months, or select professional degrees (MD, JD/LLB, PharmD, DDS, DVM, B.Eng., BScN, B.Ed., OD) qualify - and IRCC now refuses applications where the student is in their final academic term.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your spouse to Canada while on a PGWP is absolutely possible in 2026 - but the days of automatic eligibility are gone. Everything now depends on your occupation's NOC/TEER classification and the 16-month validity rule. If you're graduating soon, plan strategically: target TEER 0–3 roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, skilled trades, or education support, and file your spouse's SOWP application early in your PGWP.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official IRCC website (canada.ca) or consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer before applying. This article is for information only and is not legal advice.