Open Work Permit
What a Canadian open work permit allows, who typically qualifies — spousal, PGWP, bridging and vulnerable worker permits — and what it does not authorise.
An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer or LMIA. It is not available on demand — you must fit a defined category, such as certain spouses or partners, Post-Graduation Work Permit graduates, bridging open work permit applicants, or workers in vulnerable situations. It does not authorise work with employers who are ineligible or ordinarily ban an employer relationship.
Key facts
| Job offer needed | No |
|---|---|
| LMIA needed | No |
| Common categories | Spousal, PGWP, bridging, vulnerable worker permits |
| Restrictions | Cannot work for employers who are ineligible or who fail to comply with worker protections |
| Duration | Tied to the underlying category — verify current validity rules |
Who may qualify?
- Spouses or partners of certain skilled workers or students, subject to current eligibility rules
- Eligible Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants and holders
- Applicants who have applied for permanent residence and need a bridging open work permit while they wait
- Workers in Canada experiencing abuse or risk of abuse tied to an employer-specific permit
- Certain protected persons and refugee claimants
Eligibility requirements
- Falling into a defined open work permit category — there is no general-purpose open permit
- Meeting the status and admissibility requirements tied to that category
- A valid underlying application or status where the category depends on one (e.g., a pending PR application for a bridging permit)
- Medical exam where required by your situation
How it works: step by step
- 1
Identify your category
Confirm which open work permit category actually applies to your situation before applying.
- 2
Confirm current eligibility rules
Some categories, especially spousal open work permits, have narrowed recently — verify against today's rules.
- 3
Assemble supporting evidence
Provide proof of the relationship, status or application that qualifies you.
- 4
Apply and track validity
Apply within the correct window and monitor your permit's expiry against your next step.
Expert insight
The most common mistake is assuming an open work permit is a standalone application. In almost every case it is derivative of another status or application, so the strength of that underlying file determines your open permit outcome.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.