Everything You Need to Know About Open Work Permits in Canada

What Is an Open Work Permit in Canada?

Most foreign nationals need a Canadian work permit to work in Canada. A Canadian work permit is a legal document that provides you with valid temporary resident status and legal authorization to work. Canada issues about half a million work permits to foreign workers annually, including both open and employer-specific permits.



An Open Work Permit (OWP) allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for any employer, and in most occupations, without requiring a specific job offer at the time of application. Unlike employer-specific work permits (closed work permits), which are tied to a specific employer and require a valid job offer, OWPs provide greater flexibility, allowing you to change jobs or work in multiple different jobs if you want to. This type of work permit is particularly beneficial for those seeking employment opportunities across different regions or sectors.

However, it's important to note that while an OWP allows you to work for any employer, there are still some restrictions. For instance, you cannot work for an employer who is ineligible due to non-compliance with Canadian regulations, or engage in work in the sex trade. There will also be occupation specific restrictions applied to most OWPs, so you are restricted from working in health care, education or agriculture unless you have taken an immigration medical exam.

Open work permits are also not available to anyone who simply wants one. Can you imagine if anyone in the world could just apply for an open work permit in Canada because they wanted to work in Canada? There would be far more people coming than Canada could accommodate. So while it is possible to obtain one, it's important to remember that they are available to individuals in specific instances only.

Eligibility Requirements for an Open Work Permit Canada

The eligibility requirements vary depending on your specific circumstances. Below are general eligibility criteria you must meet.

Qualify for the Open Work Permit:

You must qualify for the open work permit. There are only specific instances when an individual will qualify - more details on that are listed below.

Intent to Leave:

You must prove to an immigration officer that you will follow conditions set out in your permit and leave Canada when your permit expires.

Financial Sufficiency:

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home.

Legal Compliance:

You must obey the law and have no record of criminal activity. You may be required to provide a police clearance certificate. Applicants must have no criminal record to qualify for an Open Work Permit.

Security:

You must not be a danger to Canada’s security.

Health:

You must be in good health and undergo a medical exam if required.

Employer Restrictions:

You must not plan to work for an employer listed as “ineligible” on the list of non-compliant employers or in the sex trade.

Additional Documentation:

You must provide any other documents requested by the officer to prove your eligibility to enter Canada.

Eligibility requirements can vary depending on the specific type of OWP you're applying for, so it's crucial to understand the requirements for your particular situation.

Types of Open Canadian Work Permits

Canada offers two primary types of Open Work Permits, each with specific conditions and restrictions:

Unrestricted Open Work Permit:

Allows the holder to work for any employer, in any location, and in any occupation.

Is issued to eligible applicants who have passed an immigration medical examination to prove that they don't have a medical condition that is a danger to the public.

Restricted Open Work Permit:

May limit the occupation or location where the holder can work.

Typically issued to applicants who have not taken a medical, or who have location specific restrictions like Provincial Nominees who are waiting for their Permanent Residence application to be processed. 

What are the requirements for Open Work Permit?

Canada offers various types of Open Work Permits, each with unique eligibility criteria:

Open Work Permit for Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Students:

Available to spouses or common-law partners of full-time students, including:

• Full-time students in graduate programs (master’s and doctorate).
• Full-time students participating in eligible pilot programs administered by a province or territory.
• Full-time students in professional degree programs at a university (e.g., medicine, dentistry, law).
• Spouses or common-law partners extending their work permit based on being the spouse of a full-time student eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) are issued after an international student completes a program at a designated learning institution.

To be eligible, the international student must have:

• Not previously held a PGWP.
• Had a valid study permit within 180 days before applying for a PGWP.
• Graduated from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and designated program that was at least 8 months long and obtained a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Maintained full-time student status during their program, with exceptions for specific circumstances.
• Received confirmation of program completion from the DLI, such as a transcript or official letter.
• Applied for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of completion.
  

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP):

For individuals who have applied for permanent residence and have received their Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) or Approved in Principle (AIP) and need to maintain their legal status while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application.



To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, applicants must have applied for permanent residency under certain immigration programs. More details about who is eligible for a Bridging Open Work permit can be found in a separate post.

International Experience Canada (IEC):

Participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program can obtain an Open Work Permit under the Working Holiday category.



The IEC allows young people from participating countries to work and travel in Canada. More details about the IEC program and Working Holiday visas can be found in a separate post.

Open Work Permit for Family Members of High-Skilled Workers:

Spouses or common-law partners of foreign nationals working in high-skilled occupations (TEER 0 or 1) or select TEER 2 or 3 occupations may be eligible for an Open Work Permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP). The select TEER 2 or 3 occupations include sectors with labour shortages or those aligned with government priorities—such as health care, natural and applied sciences, construction, education, sports, and the military. The principal worker must hold a valid work permit with at least 16 months of validity remaining, or provisional approval for the work permit if the family member isn’t applying at the same time. Dependent children are no longer eligible for an OWP.

Open Work Permit for Family Members of Low-Skilled Workers:

No longer eligible: As of January 21, 2025, spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of foreign nationals working in low-skilled occupations (TEER 4 or 5) under the IMP are no longer eligible for Open Work Permits.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner of Permanent Residents (SCLPC) and Family Class Applicants:

Foreign spouses or common-law partners being sponsored for Permanent Residence under the SCLPC category may still apply for an Open Work Permit once the PR sponsorship file has received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), provided they are residing in Canada with their sponsor. Dependent children are no longer eligible for OWPs in this category. More details about open work permit for sponsored spouses can be found in a separate post.

Open Work Permits for Vulnerable Workers:

For migrant workers in Canada with employer-specific work permits who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in their employment. The Vulnerable Open Work Permit allows them to leave abusive work situations and find new employment without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is intended to protect workers from further exploitation and support their transition to safer employment environments. Dependent family members of these principal applicants may also be eligible for OWPs under specific conditions.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Open Work Permit:

Open work permits may be issued as a temporary measure to individuals in vulnerable or exceptional situations based on humanitarian grounds, such as:

• Destitute study permit holders who are temporarily unable to support themselves due to circumstances beyond their control
• Temporary Resident Permit holders, for the duration of the TRP
• Protected persons, including Convention refugees or individuals who have received a positive decision on their refugee claim but are awaiting permanent residence processing

These permits are intended to prevent undue hardship and support individuals as they transition to more stable situations in Canada.

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada

Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for the type of Open Work Permit as the principal applicant. For most OWPs, a job offer is not required, but each category of permit has it's own specific evidence that is required to demonstrate your eligibility.

Gather the Required Documents

Collect the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Recent passport size photograph
• Proof of status in Canada, if applicable.
• Supporting documents such as a graduation certificate, marriage certificate, proof of relationship, proof of sufficient funds, proof of hardship, etc. The necessary documents will vary depending on the category of OWP you are applying for.

Apply Online - Complete the Application Form and pay the Fees

Most open work permit applications must be applied online through your IRCC account. The application procedure includes: create or log into your account, fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the work permit processing fees. Make sure all your documents are complete and meet the format and size requirements listed on the IRCC website.

If you're applying from within Canada, select “Apply for a work permit from inside Canada (IMM 5710)” when prompted. Once submitted, you’ll receive updates and messages about your application through your online account.

The latest fee for an open work permit in Canada is $255, which includes a $155 work permit processing fee and a $100 open work permit holder fee.

Apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (COE / POE)

Important update: As of December 23, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET, the Canadian government has ended the flagpoling option for most temporary residents. Applicants may no longer exit to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon and return to seek permit approval at the border. All applications must now be submitted online through Immigration and Citizenship Canada unless you qualify for one of the limited exemptions below:

• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• You are applying under a Free Trade agreement (or their spouses/common‑law partners)
• You are an International truck driver (under certain conditions)
• You already have a scheduled CBSA appointment for permit processing

If you're not exempt, you'll need to apply online and be prepared to wait for processing — which can take several months.

Wait for Processing

Processing times vary based on factors such as the volume of applications and the applicant's location. Typically, processing times for applications submitted from within Canada are between 3-5 months. Processing times for applications that are submitted overseas will vary depending on which visa post is handling the file.

How Many Years is an Open Work Permit in Canada?

The validity of an open work permit depends on the category you are eligible for. Some of the most common types of open work permits and their validity are:

• Open work permit for spouse or common law partner of student, or worker - validity will match your spouse or common law partner's permit
• Bridging Open work permit - validity is normally two years for the first permit, and extensions of one year are possible if your application for Permanent Residence takes longer to process
• IEC or Working Holiday permit - validity is between 6 months to 2 years, depending on your country of origin
• Sponsored Spouse or Common Law Partner open work permit - validity is for 2 years
• Vulnerable Open Work Permit - validity is for 1 year

Do I need an LMIA for an Open Work Permit as a Foreign National?

Many work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to be obtained by the employer before providing the foreign national with a job offer. These temporary work permits are closed work permits, tied to a specific employer and require a valid job offer in a specific national occupational classification (NOC).

However, an LMIA is not required for an open work permit. An open work permit has none of these details included, and allows you to work in Canada for almost any employer.

Can I get PR with Open Work Permit in Canada as a Foreign Worker?

An OWP does not grant you permanent resident status automatically. However, it is possible to apply to become a permanent resident with an open work permit, if you are otherwise eligible. Skilled work experience gained with an OWP counts towards Canadian work experience for Express Entry (for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program), as long as you are not using the OWP to be self-employed. However, it's important to note that some Provincial Nominee Programs do not accept applicants with certain types of OWPs.

Can I open a business with Open Work Permit inside Canada?

Yes, if you have an open work permit, you can open a business and become self-employed. However, it is important to keep in mind that self-employment often hurts your chances to apply for Permanent Residence. Self-employed work experience does not count for Canadian work experience under Express Entry, and is not eligible for most Provincial Nominee programs.

What is the difference between Work Permit and Open Work Permit in Canada?

A standard Canadian work permit usually contains details regarding the employer, job and location that the holder is authorized to work in. Typically a Canadian employer has made a job offer to a foreign national, and obtained permission from the Canadian government to hire the foreign worker. The fee for processing a closed work permit application is typically lower than for open work permits.

An OWP usually does not restrict the holder to any specific employer, job title, or location. An OWP provides greater flexibility to allow the foreign national to change jobs while they work in Canada. The Canadian employer does not need to obtain any permission in advance to hire a foreign worker with an OWP.

Open Work Permit Canada

An Open Work Permit is a versatile option for many foreign nationals aiming to work in Canada. With the ability to work for any employer and the flexibility to switch jobs, an OWP can be a significant step in advancing your career in Canada, eventually obtaining Permanent Residence, and then becoming a Canadian citizen. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and available types of open work permits, you can navigate the process effectively. Whether you're a spouse of a Canadian citizen, an international student, or a temporary foreign worker, an Open Work Permit can provide you with the opportunity to build a terrific future in Canada. 

At The Way Immigration, we have been helping our clients obtain work permits for Canada immigration Calgary since 2008. Contact the best immigration lawyer in Calgary to ensure Canadian immigration success for you and your family.