Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows foreign nationals to work for almost any employer in Canada, in most occupations and provinces. Unlike employer-specific permits, which restrict employment to one company or job, open work permits offer greater freedom, mobility, and opportunity in the Canadian labour market.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a spouse of a student or worker, or awaiting a decision on permanent residency, an open work permit could be the right option for you. It removes the need for a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it one of the most accessible work permits available.

At Dara Immigration Services, we assess your eligibility and guide you through the entire process so you can work legally and confidently in Canada.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

In Canada, there are two main categories of work permits:

Closed (employer-specific) work permits, which tie a worker to one specific employer and role.
Open work permits, which allow individuals to work for multiple employers, in various occupations and locations, without needing a new permit every time they change jobs.

Open work permits are designed for flexibility and are ideal for individuals who want to explore different opportunities, industries, or regions in Canada.

Why Choose an Open Work Permit?

One of the biggest advantages of an open work permit is the freedom it offers. You are not locked into a single employer, job, or province. This is particularly valuable for individuals who are new to the country, building their Canadian work experience, or transitioning to permanent residence.

Open work permits are also exempt from several requirements that apply to employer-specific permits. Most notably, you do not need a job offer or an LMIA to apply. However, there may still be specific conditions based on your category of eligibility, and these will be listed directly on your permit.

Who Is Eligible for an Open Work Permit?

Eligibility depends on your situation. Below are some of the most common scenarios where an open work permit may apply:

Graduates of Canadian Institutions (PGWP)

If you have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The program you completed must be at least 8 months long, and you must have studied full-time. This permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada to gain valuable Canadian experience, which may later support a permanent residence application.

Spouses and Common-Law Partners

Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers and international students may also qualify for an open work permit.

For spouses of skilled workers, your partner must be working in a job categorized under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and the job must be valid for at least six months.

For spouses of international students, eligibility depends on the level and type of study. As of March 19, 2024, only spouses of students enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or certain professional degree programs (such as medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, etc.) are eligible. The student must be enrolled at a recognized university or polytechnic institution. Supporting documents such as proof of enrollment and relationship are required at the time of application.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

If you are already in Canada and have applied for permanent residence, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This permit allows you to continue working while waiting for your PR decision. You must currently hold a valid work permit that is about to expire and have applied under one of the federal or provincial economic immigration programs, such as:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Please note that BOWPs are not available in Quebec, although other options may apply.

Inland Sponsorship (Spouses and Partners)

If you are being sponsored for permanent residence by your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse through the Inland Spousal Sponsorship program, you may be eligible for an open work permit. To qualify, you must live together in Canada and have valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker).

This open work permit allows spouses to remain active in the workforce while their sponsorship application is in process, reducing financial stress and increasing integration.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers young adults from eligible countries the opportunity to live and work in Canada. Under the Working Holiday category, participants can receive an open work permit, typically valid for one to two years, depending on their country of origin. This permit allows them to explore Canada while working legally in a variety of roles.

The eligible age range and duration vary by country, but most agreements apply to individuals aged 18 to 35.

Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Vulnerable Workers

Certain individuals facing hardship may also qualify for open work permits. These include:

Refugee claimants and protected persons
Individuals under unenforceable removal orders
Foreign workers facing abuse in their current job

Canada provides open work permits to support these individuals while their legal status is being resolved. This ensures their rights and dignity are protected while allowing them to work and support themselves.

Unrestricted vs. Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permits

There are two kinds of open work permits based on medical and occupational requirements:

Unrestricted Open Work Permit

This permit allows foreign nationals to work in any job, for any employer, and in any province. To be eligible, applicants must typically pass a medical exam.

Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permit

This version permits work with any employer, but restricts the type of job you can hold. If you haven’t completed a medical exam or come from a country that requires one for entry, you may be prohibited from working in fields such as:

Childcare
Education (primary and secondary school teaching)
Healthcare
Farming (in certain cases)

The restrictions are clearly outlined on the permit itself.

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit

Applying for an open work permit can be straightforward—but only when done correctly. Understanding the eligibility pathways, gathering the right documents, and meeting the conditions can be overwhelming. The application process varies depending on your location:

Inside Canada

If you’re already in Canada with valid status (as a visitor, student, or worker), you can apply online for an open work permit. This applies to:

PR applicants
Spouses of workers or students
Post-graduate students

Outside Canada

If you are applying from abroad, the application must be submitted through the appropriate visa office or online portal. The process includes:

Determining eligibility based on your personal situation
Gathering documents such as proof of status, identity, and relationship (if applicable)
Submitting the application along with the required fees
Waiting for processing (times vary depending on your country)

Required Documents

Although the document checklist may vary, most applicants need to provide:

Passport and identity documents
Proof of current immigration status in Canada (if applying inland)
Proof of relationship (for spouses and partners)
Proof of enrollment or graduation (for student-related permits)
PR application confirmation (for BOWP applicants)

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Work in Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.