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Sun Jun

A guide to Canada’s Open Work Permit

Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants due to its inclusive policies, strong economy, and progressive immigration pathways. Among the most flexible immigration tools available is the Open Work Permit (OWP). In 2025, Canada introduced significant updates to the OWP, particularly affecting spouses and dependent children of international students and foreign workers. This guide provides an overview of the new rules, eligibility, and future projections for the program.

What is an Open Work Permit?

An Open Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for any employer and in any location, without the need for a specific job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This differs from closed work permits, which tie an individual to a specific employer and job.

With an OWP:

  • You can work full-time, up to 40 hours per week.
  • You can switch employers freely.

This makes OWPs highly desirable, especially for spouses of students and skilled workers who wish to support their families or gain Canadian work experience.

A major shift in 2025 is that dependent children of international students and foreign workers are no longer eligible for OWPs.

  • Children can apply for study permits instead to attend school in Canada.
  • If a child already holds an OWP, it remains valid until expiry.
  • Renewals are possible only if they meet the same eligibility requirements.

Who can qualify?

Below are the main qualifying groups:

  1. Graduated International Students
    • Must be at least 18 years old.
    • Must have completed a full-time program (minimum 8 months) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
    • Must be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
  2. Spouses of International Students

The student must be studying full-time and provide proof of enrollment. Only spouses of students enrolled in the following are eligible:

  • Select professional degrees (e.g., Law, Medicine, Engineering).
  • Master’s programs (minimum 16 months).
  • Doctoral programs.

Spouses of students in diploma or certificate programs are no longer eligible.

  • Permanent Residence Applicants
    • Those who have applied for PR and reside in Canada may apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
    • Spouses of PR applicants under Inland Sponsorship may also apply.
  • Spouses of Foreign Workers
    • The foreign worker’s permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of application.
    • The spouse must be married to someone working in a TEER 0 or 1 job under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. (or)
    • The spouse works in selected TEER 2 or 3 jobs within sectors facing shortages.
  • Other Eligible Groups
    • Participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
    • Refugees
    • Asylum seekers.
    • Individuals facing abuse under employer-specific permits.
    • Destitute students who cannot continue their education due to financial hardship.

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A Bridging Open Work Permit is a special type of open work permit offered by the Government of Canada to eligible permanent residence (PR) applicants. It allows them to continue working legally in Canada while their PR application is being processed.

Here, "bridging" refers to the time between the expiry of your current work permit and the final decision on your PR application.

  • It is open, meaning you can work for any employer, in any location in Canada.
  • You do not need a new job offer or LMIA to apply.
  • It helps avoid gaps in employment while waiting for PR approval.

Why you don’t need a LMIA

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers must often obtain to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canadian workers. This is usually required when applying for closed (employer-specific) work permits.

However, as a spouse with an Open Work Permit, you do not need an LMIA:

  • You can apply for any job in Canada, including full-time, part-time, or contract work.
  • Your employer doesn’t need to go through the LMIA process, which saves time and effort for both of you.
  • This makes you more attractive to employers since your employment is not conditional on government approval.

While you can work in any field, securing employment in in-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, education, tech, skilled trades) can improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residency in the future.

Transitioning from an Open Work Permit to Permanent Residence (PR)

One of the long-term goals for many OWP holders is to become permanent residents of Canada. Fortunately, your Canadian work experience and your spouse’s study and work history can both contribute to your permanent residence (PR) journey.

  1. Through Express Entry

As the spouse of an international student, you may qualify for Express Entry programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), especially if:

  • You meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 or higher for most programs).
  • You score well in the Comprehensive Ranking System
  • You gain at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). Gaining work experience in an eligible occupation during your Open Work Permit (OWP) period will significantly strengthen your Express Entry profile.
  1. Provincial Nominee Programs

Most provinces have PNP streams that cater to international graduates and their spouses, especially those working in high-demand occupations. You may be eligible if:

  • You have a valid job offer in the province.
  • Your occupation aligns with the province’s labour market needs.

Some provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, prioritise applicants who are already employed in the region, giving spouses on OWPs a clear pathway to nomination.

3. Applying Together After PGWP

When your spouse graduates and becomes eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you may both use that time to build up work experience toward PR. Here’s how:

  • Your spouse can work full-time in any job aligned with their field of study.
  • You can continue working under your Open Work Permit (as long as it remains valid or is extended).
  • After gaining the required work experience (typically one year), you can apply as a principal applicant, or your spouse can apply with you as a dependent.
  • Your combined Canadian experience can boost your Express Entry profile.

This is a strategic path many families follow: the student completes their studies → obtains PGWP → both spouses gain work experience → apply for PR together.

Canada’s Open Work Permit program remains a vital gateway for spouses and workers to integrate into the Canadian economy. While the 2025 updates have made the criteria more restrictive, those who qualify still enjoy a high level of freedom and flexibility in the job market.

As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, staying informed and proactive is essential. Whether you're applying for the first time or seeking to renew your permit, understanding the updated guidelines will help you make well-informed decisions for your future in Canada.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

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