How to Get an Open Work Permit in Canada

What Is an Open Work Permit?

An open work permit is like a master key that gives the holder a license to work for almost any employer in Canada and that too without a specific job invitation. Only under certain programs and scenarios, foreign nationals get an open work permit.

Common Types of Open Work Permits

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Available for international graduates from the designated schools and this permit is valid for a maximum period of three years.
Spousal Open Work Permit: This type of permit is for the partners of some selected international students or foreign workers.
International Experience Canada / Working Holiday: This is valid for youth from participating nations and is issued for a maximum of two years.

Open Work Permit for

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants: This is usually valid for up to two years for residents nominated by a participating province/territory.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): This is the case of temporary workers who have applied for permanent residency through certain programs while still in Canada.
Open Work Permit for refugee claimants: A person who has made a refugee claim and whose status is still pending can obtain this type of permit.

Eligibility Highlights

The categories of open work permits have a set of criteria for eligibility. Some of the main instances:

For PGWP: Students must pass the eight-month program at a designated institution; after the studies, the student has 180 days to apply; full-time status must be maintained (except last term).
For Spousal OWP: The Main applicant must be in a qualifying status, and the husband/wife/partner must meet the general eligibility criteria.
Working Holiday OWP: Must be a citizen of a participating country, fall within the age limits, possess health insurance and enough funds, and be without dependents.
For PNP OWP: Must be under an eligible pilot or policy, have valid status, receive a support letter from the province/territory, and meet other specified criteria.
For BOWP: Must be applying for permanent residence through eligible programs, have a valid status (or be eligible for restoration), and apply while in Canada.
For Refugee Claimant OWP: Must have submitted a refugee claim, gone through a medical checkup, provided biometrics, and show need of employment to support oneself.

How to Apply

Go through the whole process for determining the correct category and eligibility requirements of the work permit application.
Log in or create a secure account with the Canadian immigration authority, complete the application form, selecting “Open Work Permit”.
Upload the required documents as specified in your personalized checklist.
Pay the relevant application fees (processing fee + additional permit holder fee).
Submit your application. Work permit applicants may be required to fulfill some additional conditions regarding the specific job sectors.

Restrictions & Conditions

Open work permit holders can’t work in non-compliant establishments or in adult-oriented businesses (e.g., escort services) or in a few other specified areas.
Medical examination may be required for certain sectors to avoid the health conditions on the permit in case the patient chooses the public health sector (childcare, education, healthcare) as their workplace.
Some permits (like PNP-based OWPs) still have location restrictions, meaning you must work within a designated province or territory.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you provide advice or are planning to apply for an open work permit in Canada, it will be essential to pick the right category and properly prepare your documents in advance. Abhinav Immigration Services is there for you throughout the whole process, from checking eligibility to submission of application, to increase your chances of getting approval. Let’s have a look at your profile today and figure out the best open work permit pathway according to your goals.