Open Work Permits in Canada: Types, Eligibility, and How to Apply

An open work permit is one of the most flexible immigration documents you can hold in Canada. Unlike employer-specific work permits, an open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, in any location. You do not need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to start working.

This guide explains the different types of open work permits, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What Is an Open Work Permit?

A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. Work permits fall into two categories:

• Employer-specific work permit: Ties you to a single employer, occupation, and location
• Open work permit (OWP): Allows you to work for any employer anywhere in Canada (with limited exceptions)

Open work permits are not available to everyone. You must fall into a specific eligibility category to qualify.

For official information, visit the IRCC work permits page.

Types of Open Work Permits

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP is available to international students who have completed a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can help them qualify for permanent residence.

Key details:

• The permit duration matches your program length, up to a maximum of 3 years
• Programs shorter than 8 months do not qualify
• Programs between 8 months and 2 years receive a PGWP equal to the program length
• Programs of 2 years or more receive a 3-year PGWP
• You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks
• You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime

For a detailed guide, see our PGWP Guide.

2. Spousal or Common-Law Partner Open Work Permit

If your spouse or common-law partner holds a valid Canadian work permit or study permit, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

Eligibility for spouses of workers:

• Your partner must hold a valid work permit in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
• Your partner's work permit must be valid for at least 6 months
• You must be living together or planning to live together in Canada

Eligibility for spouses of students:

• Your partner must be a full-time student at a DLI
• Your partner must be enrolled in a graduate-level program (master's or PhD) or an eligible undergraduate or college program (rules have been updated -- check the latest IRCC guidelines)

3. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The bridging open work permit is designed for people who have applied for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs and whose current work permit is about to expire.

Eligibility:

• You must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status
• You have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under an eligible program (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program)
• Your current work permit will expire within 4 months (or has already expired)
• You have maintained valid status in Canada

The BOWP allows you to continue working legally while your PR application is processed.

4. International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit

The IEC program allows young people from countries with bilateral agreements with Canada to work temporarily. There are three categories:

• Working Holiday: An open work permit for up to 1-2 years (varies by country)
• Young Professionals: An employer-specific work permit
• International Co-op: For students with a co-op or internship placement

The Working Holiday category provides an open work permit. Eligibility typically requires being between 18-30 or 18-35 years old, depending on your country of citizenship.

5. Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers

Workers who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in their employment situation can apply for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. This permit is available regardless of immigration status and does not require an LMIA or a job offer.

Contact the IRCC call centre or a settlement agency for confidential assistance.

6. Open Work Permit for Permanent Residence Applicants

Certain categories of permanent residence applicants can apply for an open work permit while waiting for their application to be processed:

• In-Canada spousal or common-law partner sponsorship applicants
• Applicants under the humanitarian and compassionate grounds category
• Certain refugee claimants

7. Interim Open Work Permit for TR to PR Pathway Applicants

During specific policy periods, IRCC has offered interim open work permits to certain applicants transitioning from temporary to permanent residence. Check the IRCC website for current availability.

Who Is NOT Eligible for an Open Work Permit?

You cannot get an open work permit if:

• You are applying for your first work permit from outside Canada (unless you qualify under a specific category like IEC)
• You do not meet the eligibility criteria for any of the above categories
• You have been issued a removal order
• You have a criminal inadmissibility issue
• Your temporary resident status has expired without restoration

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Review the categories above and identify which one applies to your situation. Visit the IRCC eligibility tool for guidance.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The specific documents depend on your category, but generally you will need:

• Valid passport
• Proof of eligibility for the specific OWP category (e.g., spouse's work permit, proof of graduation, PR application receipt)
• Passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
• Immigration medical exam results (if required based on your country of citizenship or occupation)
• Police clearance certificates (if required)
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter)
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo, if you have not provided them recently)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Most open work permit applications are submitted online through the IRCC online portal.

Application steps:

1. Create or log into your IRCC online account
2. Complete the application form (IMM 1295 or the online equivalent)
3. Upload all supporting documents
4. Pay the fees
5. Submit and receive your confirmation number

Step 4: Pay the Fees

As of 2026, the fees for an open work permit include:

• Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
• Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
• Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (individual) or $170 CAD (family)

Fees are subject to change. Check the IRCC fee schedule for current amounts.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary by category and application method:

• Online applications from within Canada: Typically 4-16 weeks
• Applications from outside Canada: Varies by country, typically 4-20 weeks
• Bridging OWP: Usually processed faster due to urgent nature

Check current processing times on the IRCC processing times page.

Working While Your Application Is Being Processed

Maintained Status

If you applied to extend or change your work permit before your current permit expired, you have maintained status under section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. This means you can continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit while your new application is processed.

However, if you applied for an open work permit while holding an employer-specific permit, you must continue working for the same employer under the same conditions until the new OWP is approved.

Implied Status

Maintained status is sometimes informally called "implied status." It is important to understand that this only applies if you submitted your application before your existing permit expired.

Restrictions on Open Work Permits

While open work permits are flexible, they do have some limitations:

• You cannot work in occupations listed on the IRCC ineligible occupations list (e.g., certain adult entertainment sectors)
• You must comply with all Canadian laws and workplace standards
• The permit has an expiry date; you must stop working or apply for renewal before it expires
• Some OWPs have conditions noted on the permit itself; always check your permit for specific conditions

Tips for Open Work Permit Holders

1. Keep your documents organized: Always carry your work permit and maintain copies of all immigration documents
2. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as you receive your work permit. You need a SIN to work legally in Canada. Apply at a Service Canada office.
3. Check your permit conditions: Read the conditions printed on your work permit carefully
4. Track your permit expiry date: Set reminders to apply for renewal at least 4 months before expiry
5. Understand your rights: All workers in Canada, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to the same workplace protections, minimum wage, and safety standards
6. Plan for permanent residence: An OWP is a pathway, not a destination. Use your time to build Canadian experience and work toward permanent residence through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

Renewing or Extending Your Open Work Permit

You can apply to extend your open work permit if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for your category. Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires, though applying 3-4 months in advance is recommended.

The extension application process is similar to the initial application. Submit it online through your IRCC account with updated supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change employers freely with an open work permit? Yes, that is the primary advantage. You can work for any employer in any location in Canada without needing to notify IRCC.

Can I be self-employed with an open work permit? Yes, an open work permit allows self-employment and freelancing in addition to traditional employment.

Does my spouse get a work permit if I have an OWP? Not automatically. Your spouse would need to apply for their own work permit based on their own eligibility.

Can I study while holding an open work permit? You can take courses of 6 months or less without a study permit. For longer programs, you need a separate study permit.

What happens if my OWP expires while I am working? You must stop working immediately unless you have applied for renewal before the expiry date and have maintained status.

An open work permit is a powerful tool for building your life and career in Canada. Understanding the type that applies to your situation and applying correctly puts you on a solid path toward achieving your Canadian goals.