Work in Canada with an Open Work Permit

To work legally in Canada, foreign nationals usually need a valid work permit. However, there is a special category – the Open Work Permit – which offers more flexibility and fewer restrictions than standard employer-specific permits.

Unlike employer-specific work permits, an open work permit is not tied to a single employer or location. This means you can change jobs or move across provinces without having to reapply for a new permit, as long as you comply with the conditions set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What is an Open Work Permit?

An Open Work Permit is an official document that allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Some open work permits may still have conditions – such as time limits or industry restrictions – but they generally offer more freedom than employer-specific permits.

Open work permits are usually issued under programs such as:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – for graduates from designated Canadian institutions.

• International Experience Canada (IEC) – for youth from countries with a bilateral agreement with Canada.

• Spousal or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship inside Canada.

• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) – for permanent residence applicants awaiting a decision.

Benefits of an Open Work Permit

Open work permits are highly sought after because they offer:

• Job flexibility – freedom to work for different employers in various industries.

• Geographic mobility – ability to relocate anywhere in Canada for better opportunities.

• A pathway to permanent residency by gaining Canadian work experience that counts toward programs like:

  • Express Entry

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

  • Quebec Immigration

Restrictions: Even with an open work permit, you cannot work for:

• Employers on the IRCC ineligible list.

• Businesses offering services such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

Who Can Get an Open Work Permit?

You may qualify for an open work permit if you fall into one of these categories:

• Spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary foreign workers.

• Spouses or common-law partners of some international students.

• International graduates from designated Canadian learning institutions.

• Permanent residence applicants being sponsored by a spouse or partner.

• Young workers under International Experience Canada.

• Refugees, asylum seekers, protected persons, and their family members.

Open Work Permit vs Employer-Specific Work Permit – Comparison Table