open-work-permit🇨🇦 Canada
Open Work Permit: Complete Guide
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What Is an Open Work Permit?
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, without needing a specific job offer or LMIA. It is the most flexible type of Canadian work permit.
Who Can Get an Open Work Permit?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| PGWP holders | International graduates from DLIs |
| Spouses of skilled workers | Spouse/partner of LMIA or IMP work permit holders |
| Spouses of students | Spouse/partner of study permit holders (at DLIs) |
| Bridging open work permit | While waiting for PR processing |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | Working holiday for youth (18-35) |
| Vulnerable workers | Workers experiencing abuse |
| Refugee claimants | While claim is being processed |
| Inland spousal sponsorship | While PR application is being processed |
Open vs. Closed Work Permits
| Feature | Open Work Permit | Closed Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Any employer | Specific employer only |
| Job | Any occupation | Specific position |
| LMIA | Not required | Usually required |
| Job offer | Not required | Required |
| Flexibility | ✅ Very flexible | ❌ Employer-specific |
| Additional fee | $100 (open work permit holder fee) | N/A |
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Current work permit | Must have a valid work permit expiring within 4 months |
| PR application | Must have submitted a PR application under Express Entry or PNP |
| Status | Must be in Canada with valid status |
| Duration | Until PR decision is made |
IEC — International Experience Canada
| Category | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Open work permit for youth | Up to 2 years |
| Young Professionals | Employer-specific for career development | Up to 2 years |
| International Co-op | For students with work placement | Up to 12 months |
IEC Eligible Countries
Over 30 countries have agreements, including: France, UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, and many more.
Processing Times
| Type | Typical Processing |
|---|---|
| PGWP | 1–3 months |
| Spousal OWP | 4–8 weeks |
| BOWP | 2–4 months |
| IEC | 4–8 weeks |
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work permit | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 |
| Biometrics | $85 |
| Total | $340 |
Tips
- Check your eligibility — open work permits are not available to everyone
- BOWP is critical — apply early if your work permit is expiring during PR processing
- IEC is excellent for youth — great way to explore Canada with work permission
- Spousal OWP — automatically eligible if your partner has a skilled work permit
- $100 additional fee — don't forget the open work permit holder fee
- Maintain valid status — always apply for extensions before your current permit expires
Source: IRCC — Open Work Permit
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