Work Permit

Open Work Permit

An open work permit in Canada allows working for any employer.

  • No location or employer restrictions

  • Gain valuable Canadian work experience for PR

  • LMIA Not Required

What is an open work permit and why you need one?

An open work permit is a special type of work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for some restricted occupations. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience and explore different career options.

An open work permit is a flexible and convenient way to work in Canada. Unlike a regular work permit, which is job-specific, an open work permit does not require you to have a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a Canadian employer before you apply. This means that you can:

  • Look for and change jobs as often as you want

  • Work in any industry or occupation, except for those that are listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions

  • Work anywhere in Canada, without being tied to a specific location

  • Apply for permanent residence in Canada, if you meet the requirements

An open work permit is also a great way to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can help you qualify for various immigration programs, such as:

  • The Canadian Experience Class

  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Some Provincial Nominee Programs

An open work permit can also help you explore different career options and find out what suits you best. You can learn new skills, network with potential employers and colleagues, and discover the Canadian work culture and environment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

Types of Open Work Permits

There are two types of open work permits available: unrestricted and restricted. An unrestricted open work permit allows you to work in any occupation and location in Canada. A restricted open work permit limits either the occupation or the location where you can work, or both. The type of open work permit you get depends on your situation and eligibility. For example:

  • If you are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, you will get an unrestricted open work permit.

  • If you are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student, you will get an unrestricted open work permit if your spouse or partner has an occupation in skill level 0, A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), or if they are studying at a post-secondary level. Otherwise, you will get a restricted open work permit that limits your occupation to skill level C or D of the NOC.

  • If you are under an unenforceable removal order, you will get a restricted open work permit that limits your location to the province where you live.

Duration and Conditions

The duration of your open work permit depends on your situation and eligibility. It can range from a few months to several years. For example:

  • If you are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, your open work permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your program of study.

  • If you are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student, your open work permit can be valid for the same period as your spouse or partner’s work or study permit, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

  • If you are under an unenforceable removal order, your open work permit can be valid for up to one year, and can be renewed until your removal order becomes enforceable.

Your open work permit will state the conditions of your work in Canada, such as:

  • The type of work you can do

  • The employer you can work for

  • The location where you can work

  • The length of time you can work

You should always carry your open work permit with you when you travel in and out of Canada. You should also inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if your personal information or situation changes, such as:

  • Your name, address, phone number or email

  • Your marital status or family composition

  • Your passport or travel document

  • Your employer or job

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