Open work permit
Overview
An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, without being tied to a specific employer or requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is distinct from an employer-specific work permit, which restricts the holder to a named employer in a named occupation.
Open work permits are not available to all foreign nationals — they are granted only to persons who fall within categories specified in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) or who meet specific eligibility criteria set by IRCC policy.
Eligibility
The main categories of persons eligible for an open work permit include:
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders — graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs; see the PGWP page for details
- Spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers — spouses of foreign nationals working in specific NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations may be eligible; IRCC periodically adjusts the eligibility criteria for this category
- Spouses or common-law partners of international students — spouses of full-time post-secondary students at eligible DLIs; the student must be enrolled in a specific level of program (requirements have been subject to policy changes)
- Refugees and protected persons — persons with refugee protection claims in process or who have been recognised as protected persons are eligible for open work permits under specific provisions
- Bridging open work permit (BOWP) — holders of employer-specific work permits whose permits are expiring and who have applied for permanent residence through Express Entry or a provincial nominee program; the BOWP allows the applicant to continue working (for any employer) while the PR application is processed
- Holders of deferred removal orders — certain persons with deferred enforcement departure orders
- International Experience Canada participants — participants in the Working Holiday category receive an open work permit
Selection criteria
Eligibility for an open work permit is categorical — a person either falls within an eligible category or does not. Within each category, the assessment focuses on whether the applicant genuinely meets the category criteria and on standard admissibility requirements (health, character, temporary resident intent where applicable).
Unlike employer-specific work permits, open work permits do not require a job offer or LMIA. However, some categories require supporting evidence — for example, spousal open work permit applicants must demonstrate their partner's qualifying employment or student status.
Application process
Applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. The documents required vary by category but generally include:
- Evidence of eligibility for the specific category (e.g., proof of graduation and eligible program for PGWP; proof of partner's status for spousal OWP)
- Passport and identity documents
- Biometrics (if required for the applicant's nationality)
- Applicable work permit processing fee
Processing times vary by category and by the applicant's country of nationality. IRCC publishes current processing time estimates on its website.
Related programs
Notes
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is particularly important for foreign nationals who are transitioning from temporary status to permanent residence through Express Entry. It prevents a gap in work authorisation while the PR application is under assessment.
Open work permits are issued for a specific validity period. The holder must apply for a renewal (or a new OWP) before the current permit expires if they wish to continue working. Implied status allows the holder to continue working on the same conditions while a renewal application is being processed, provided the renewal was applied for before the current permit expired.
The off-campus work authorisation available to eligible study permit holders (up to 24 hours per week) is separate from a formal open work permit; it is a condition of the study permit rather than a separate document.