The Canadian Open Work Permit: A Complete Eligibility and Application Guide

Open Work Permits in Canada: Overview and Types

Open Work Permits (OWPs) grant holders the flexibility to work for virtually any employer in Canada, making them highly desirable. These permits are available exclusively to foreign nationals who meet the requirements of specific programs.

This guide will cover:

• The most frequent categories of OWPs.
• The primary purpose and typical validity period for each OWP type.
• Common restrictions and limitations that may apply to the permits.

Common Open Work Permit Types

The following table summarizes the most common types of OWPs, indicating who is eligible for each program and the typical maximum duration of the permit:

Starting Your OWP Journey

If you are a foreign national looking for a path to obtain an OWP, your most common starting points are:

1. Studying in Canada: Successfully completing a program at an eligible Canadian learning institution is the primary path to qualifying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
2. International Experience Canada (IEC): If you are aged 18–35 (or 18–30) and a citizen of one of the participating countries, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday work permit through the IEC program.

The remaining open work permit categories—such as the Spousal, Bridging, PNP, and Refugee Claimant permits—are only available to foreign nationals who have already achieved a specific status or are within the processing phase of a related application.

Countries Participating in the IEC Working Holiday Stream

The following countries participate in the IEC Working Holiday stream (age range in parentheses):

 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility and Application

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a critical path for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Eligibility is determined by multiple intersecting sets of requirements.

PGWP Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the PGWP, candidates must satisfy criteria across four main areas:

1. General Eligibility Criteria

• Program Length and Institution: The candidate must have completed a program of study that was at least eight months in length (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Full-Time Status: You must have maintained full-time student status throughout all semesters of study, with the exception that part-time enrollment is permitted for the final semester.
• Application Deadline: The application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving official confirmation (e.g., final transcript, letter) that the study program has been completed.
• Study Permit Validity: The applicant's study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days following graduation and immediately prior to applying for the PGWP.

2. Study Program Specifics

Eligibility is also contingent on the type and level of credential obtained (e.g., bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees; college/polytechnic programs; or eligible flight school credentials).

3. Field of Study Requirements (CIP Code)

This is a key requirement for some applicants:

• Your 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code must be on the list of currently eligible codes at the time you submit your study permit or PGWP application.
• Exemptions: You do not need to meet the field of study requirement if you:
  • Graduated with a bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degree, or from a PGWP-eligible flight school.
  • Applied for your initial study permit or submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024.

4. Physical Location

Requirements vary based on whether the graduate applied from within Canada or from outside Canada.

Ineligibility Warning: Certain study scenarios make an applicant ineligible, such as studying English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) or taking general interest or self-improvement courses.

How to Submit Your PGWP Application

The PGWP application process is carried out through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Secure Account.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before beginning the application, ensure you have definitively met all four sets of criteria: General, Study Program, Field of Study (if applicable), and Physical Location.

Step 2: Consult the Official Guide

Thoroughly read the instruction guide that corresponds to your location, as forms and submission rules differ:

Note: Regardless of which guide you reference, IRCC advises using your Canadian address if you are currently residing in Canada.

Step 3: Access and Complete the Forms

1. Sign in to or create your IRCC Secure Account.
2. Answer the preliminary questions to generate a personalized document checklist.
3. Complete the necessary application forms.
   • Tip for Outside-Canada Applicants: In the application form's "Details of intended work in Canada" section, select "Open Work Permit" for Question 1, and write "Post Graduate Work Permit" for the employer's name in Question 2.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload all required primary and supporting documentation listed on your checklist.

• Key Action: Due to current system limitations, the checklist may not specifically ask for language test results or proof of graduation from an eligible field of study. If either is required for your specific situation, you must upload them manually in the "Client Information" section of your account.

Step 5: Submit and Pay Fees

Pay all applicable application fees (the work permit processing fee and the Open Work Permit holder fee) and submit your complete application package.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligibility in Brief

The Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allows the spouse or common-law partner of a qualified temporary resident (worker or student) to work in Canada. Eligibility is now restricted, targeting spouses of individuals in high-skilled or advanced academic roles, following changes implemented in January 2025.

1. Eligibility Based on the Foreign Worker (Principal Applicant)

The foreign worker spouse/partner must meet the following criteria:

2. Eligibility Based on the International Student (Principal Applicant)

The international student spouse/partner must hold a valid study permit from a DLI and be enrolled in one of the following advanced academic programs:

• A Master’s degree program of 16 months or longer.
• A Doctoral (PhD) degree program.
• One of the 11 qualifying university-level professional degree programs (or eligible programs in select provinces).

3. Eligibility Based on the Spouse/Partner (Applicant)

The SOWP applicant must:

• Meet all general eligibility requirements for a work permit.
• Provide proof of a genuine relationship with the principal applicant (worker or student).
• If applying from within Canada, be in valid temporary status, maintained status, or eligible for restoration of status.

SOWP Application Process (Summary)

The SOWP can be applied for from within or outside Canada, typically via the IRCC Secure Account.

Part 1: Initial Application Steps

Part 2 & 3: Documentation and Fees

1. Documentation: Upload the forms and supporting documents based on the personalized checklist. Use the “Client Information” field to upload multiple supporting documents (e.g., proof of relationship) if needed.
2. Fees: Pay the required work permit processing fee and the OWP holder fee. The principal applicant pays their fees separately if applying together.

Part 4: Final Submission

Submit the complete application package through the IRCC Secure Account.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Eligibility

The Working Holiday category of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is highly popular, offering youth the chance to live, travel, and work in Canada. To be considered for this Open Work Permit (OWP), foreign nationals must meet a specific set of criteria.

Primary Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Working Holiday OWP, candidates must satisfy the following:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of one of the 35 participating countries (as previously listed).
• Age: Be between the ages of 18 to 30 or 35, depending on your nationality's agreement with Canada.
• Proof of Funds: Must possess at least $2,500 CAD to cover initial expenses upon arrival in Canada.
• Travel Arrangements: Must have, prior to departure, either a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their stay.
• Insurance: Must have valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. This plan must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Passport: Must hold a valid passport for the entire duration of their intended stay in Canada.
• Dependents: You must not be accompanied by any dependents.

How to Apply for the IEC Working Holiday OWP

The application process for the IEC Working Holiday stream is a multi-step process that begins with entry into an applicant pool.

Open Work Permits (OWPs) for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers a temporary public policy that allows certain Provincial Nominee Candidates to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP). This policy is specifically designed to grant work authorization to individuals who are currently under consideration for nomination, but have not yet been nominated by their province.

Eligibility Criteria for the PNP OWP

To qualify for an OWP under this public policy, the applicant must meet all the following conditions:

1. Provincial Program Enrollment (Participating PNPs Only)

You must be in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool or have already submitted an application to a participating PNP. Currently, the participating programs are:

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

2. Employment and Provincial Support

• Employment Letter: Possess a letter of employment from your current employer.
• Support Letter: Have an OWP support letter issued by the specific province or territory you are currently living in.

3. Valid Status Requirement

You must meet one of the following requirements regarding your immigration status in Canada:

• Valid Work Permit: Currently hold a valid work permit.
• Restoration Status: Held a work permit that was valid on May 7, 2024, which has since expired, but you have applied for restoration of status.
• Maintained Status: Were on maintained status on May 7, 2024, because you submitted an application to extend your work permit prior to that date (and that extension is pending or approved).

You must be in Canada and will either:

• Have a valid temporary resident status at the time of application or decision; OR
• Apply for restoration of status concurrently with the OWP application.

Crucial Note: This OWP is only for individuals who are under consideration for nomination (in an EOI pool or submitted an application). Candidates who have already received a nomination are not eligible under this specific policy.

How to Apply for the PNP OWP

The application process is conducted online through your IRCC Secure Account.

Step 1: Preliminary Review

Read through the official instruction guide (5553) for applying for a work permit from within Canada.

Step 2: Account and Checklist Generation

1. Log into your IRCC Secure Account and answer the preliminary questions to generate a personalized document checklist.
2. When asked the question, "Does any of the following apply to you?", you must select "Yes", as your eligibility is covered by the scenario: I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.

Step 3: Completing the Application Form

In the "Details of intended work in Canada" section of the application form, you must input the correct provincial code:

• Work Permit Type: Select "Open Work Permit."
• Job Title / Duties Box: Enter the relevant provincial/territorial code in both the job title and job duties fields:
  • Manitoba Code: MBEOI2024
  • Yukon Code: YKEOI2024

Step 4: Documentation Submission

Upload all documents listed on your personalized checklist, plus the following essential "extra" documents:

• OWP Support Letter (from the province/territory)
• Copy of your Letter of Employment (from your current employer)
• Copy of your passport
• Family Information Form [IMM 5707]
• Digital Photo
• Copy of your current work permit (if applicable)

Tip: You should upload a document clearly stating “Not Applicable” for required documents that do not apply to this specific public policy, such as the employment reference letter, employment records, or employment contract.

Step 5: Pay and Submit

Pay the required fees (the work permit processing fee and the OWP holder fee) and submit your complete application package.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and Refugee Claimant OWP

Here is a clear breakdown of the eligibility and application process for the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and the Refugee Claimant Open Work Permit, followed by the general restrictions on all Open Work Permits (OWPs).

1. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The BOWP allows temporary workers in Canada to maintain their employment status while they wait for a final decision on their Permanent Residence (PR) application.

Eligibility Criteria for a BOWP

To be considered for a BOWP, you must satisfy the following conditions:

• PR Application Submitted: You must have submitted an application for PR under one of the eligible economic immigration pathways and have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter.
  • Eligible Pathways: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), Home Child-Care Provider Pilot, Home Support Worker Pilot, or the Agri-Food Pilot.
• Application Stage: Your PR application must have reached a specific stage, depending on the program:
  • Express Entry/SWSP: Passed a completeness check (Section 10).
  • Other Programs (Pilots): Received a positive eligibility assessment on your Application for Permanent Residence (APR).
• Current Status in Canada: You must currently be in Canada and meet a valid status requirement:
  • Hold a valid work permit.
  • Possess an expired work permit but have maintained status.
  • Be eligible to restore your status and gain work authorization.

How to Apply for a BOWP

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria listed above.
2. Access IRCC Portal: Sign into your IRCC Secure Account. When prompted about the permit type, select "Open Work Permit."
3. Complete Submission: Complete the required forms and provide all supporting documentation listed in the checklist (documents will vary based on your PR pathway).
4. Pay and Submit: Pay the work permit processing fee ($155) and the OWP holder fee ($100), and submit the complete application.

2. Refugee Claimant Open Work Permit

This permit is available to individuals who have claimed refugee protection in Canada and require employment to cover their basic living expenses while their claim is processed.

Eligibility Criteria for a Refugee Claimant OWP

To qualify for this OWP, you must:

• Meet general eligibility requirements for a work permit.
• Have already submitted a refugee claim and had a decision made on the eligibility of your claim.
• Possess a refugee claimant document.
• Have successfully completed an immigration medical exam and provided biometrics.
• Demonstrate financial need: You must prove that you require a job to pay for basic needs and are unable to financially support yourself without reliance on government assistance.

How to Apply for a Refugee Claimant OWP

If you did not apply for a work permit when you first submitted your refugee claim, you may apply separately from within Canada:

1. Access IRCC Account: Sign in to your IRCC Secure Account and answer questions to generate a personalized document checklist.
2. Provide Documentation: Complete the forms and upload all necessary documents, including:
   • Proof that you submitted a refugee claim.
   • Proof of completed medical exam and biometrics.
   • Proof that you cannot support yourself without employment (financial need).
3. Fee Payment (Varies):
   • If you have not yet received a final decision on your refugee claim (or have been found to be a Convention Refugee/Protected Person), submit your application without paying any fees.
   • If a decision was made where you were not found to be a Convention Refugee or Protected Person and you are appealing the decision in federal court, you must pay the work permit processing fee before submitting.

OWP Restrictions and Limitations

While the OWP offers great freedom, it is subject to a few key restrictions:

• Non-Compliant Employers: You are prohibited from working for any employer who appears on the Government of Canada's list of non-compliant employers.
• Adult Services: You are prohibited from working for a business that regularly offers adult-oriented services (e.g., stripteases, erotic dancing, escort services, or erotic massage).
• Medical Restrictions: For roles involving public health protection (e.g., healthcare, childcare, primary/secondary education), a medical exam is required. If you do not undergo an upfront medical exam from a panel physician and provide proof, your OWP will be issued with medical conditions that restrict you from working in these specific sectors.
• Location Restrictions (PNP Candidates Only): Provincial nominee candidates who apply under the temporary public policy may have a location restriction on their OWP, limiting them to working only in that particular province.