Open Work Permit

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• International Experience Canada (IEC)
• Spousal or common-law sponsorship in Canada
• Transitional Open Work Permit (TOWP)

It is important to note that Open Work Permits do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Advantages of an open work permit

Open work permits are particularly popular because of the flexibility they offer. Unlike traditional work permits, which are tied to a single employer, these permits allow the holder to work for any employer in Canada, and to change location freely. In addition, gaining work experience in Canada can improve chances of permanent residency, particularly through programs such as :

• Express Entry (EE)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec Immigration

However, even with an open work permit, certain restrictions apply. For example, permit holders cannot work for employers on the IRCC's non-compliant list, or for those offering services such as stripping, erotic dancing, erotic massage or escorting.

Who is eligible for an open work permit ?

Foreign nationals in the following situations may be eligible for an open work permit. The exact criteria vary from case to case:

• Spouses or facto partners of certain temporary workers.
• Spouses or facto partners of certain international students.
• International students who have graduated from a designed program of study in Canada.
• Applicants for permanent residence who have applied to sponsor a spouse.
• Certain young workers participating in programs such as International Experience Canada (IEC).
• Refugees, asylum seekers, protected persons and their families.