An open work permit is one of the most valuable immigration documents in Canada — it lets you work for any employer without being tied to a specific job. But not everyone qualifies. Here is who can get one and how to apply.
Who Qualifies for an Open Work Permit
Open work permits are issued in specific circumstances, not as a general option:
- International Experience Canada (IEC) — Working Holiday: Young people (typically 18–35) from eligible countries can get a 1–2 year open work permit through IEC draws
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): International graduates from eligible Canadian programs get an open work permit for up to 3 years
- Spouses/common-law partners of skilled workers: If your partner holds a valid skilled worker permit (NOC TEER 0 or 1), you may qualify for an open spousal work permit
- Spouses of international students: Spouses of full-time master’s, doctoral, or designated professional program students may qualify
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): For people who have applied for PR through Express Entry and whose current work permit is expiring
- Refugee claimants and protected persons: Eligible for open work permits at certain stages of their claim
How to Apply for Each Type
IEC Working Holiday
- Check if your country has an IEC agreement with Canada
- Create a profile in the IEC pool during the open intake period (typically starts in January)
- Wait to be invited from the pool
- Once invited, apply for your work permit — you have a limited window to do so
- Pay the $185 CAD IEC participation fee plus the $155 work permit fee
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Complete your eligible Canadian program at a DLI
- Apply before your study permit expires (or within 90 days of receiving your final marks)
- Apply online through your IRCC account — Form IMM 5710
- Pay the $255 CAD fee
- Your PGWP will be valid for the length of your program (up to 3 years for programs of 2+ years)
Spousal Open Work Permit
- Confirm your partner qualifies as a skilled worker or eligible student
- Apply online through IRCC with Form IMM 1295
- Provide proof of your relationship and your partner’s permit/status
- Pay the $255 CAD fee
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Ensure you have a PR application in progress through Express Entry
- Your current work permit must be expiring within 4 months (or have already expired if you are still on maintained status)
- Apply online — Form IMM 1295
- Pay the $255 CAD fee
What an Open Work Permit Allows You to Do
- Work for any employer in Canada
- Change jobs without updating your permit
- Work part-time or full-time
- Work for multiple employers simultaneously
Most open work permits have a restriction: you generally cannot work for employers in the adult entertainment industry, and some permits restrict work in certain sectors. Read your permit conditions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get an open work permit just by finding a Canadian job?
A: No — finding a job does not automatically qualify you for an open permit. You must meet one of the specific eligibility categories above. If you have a Canadian job offer but do not qualify for an open permit, your employer likely needs to apply for an LMIA for a closed (employer-specific) permit.
Q: How long does an open work permit last?
A: It varies by type. PGWP can be up to 3 years. IEC Working Holiday is typically 1–2 years. Spousal OWPs are tied to the primary permit holder’s status. BOWP lasts until a PR decision is made.
Q: Can I renew an open work permit?
A: PGWP cannot be renewed — it is one-time. Other open permits (spousal, BOWP) can be extended if you continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Bottom Line
Open work permits are powerful but not universally available. Check which category you qualify for first — IEC, PGWP, spousal, or BOWP — then apply through your IRCC account with the correct form and documents. The freedom to change employers without updating your permit is worth the effort to qualify.
