Who Can Apply
IRCC states: "You can apply for an open work permit only under specific situations." IRCC lists these situations (IRCC, Open work permit):
Students, graduates and youth
- • "post-graduation work permit applicants" (see our PGWP page)
- • "International Experience Canada – Working Holiday category applicants"
- • "destitute students"
Spouses and dependent children
- • "family members of permanent residence applicants"
- • "family members of work permit holders"
- • "spouses and common-law partners of international students"
- • "sponsored family members" (see family sponsorship)
Vulnerable people
- • "refugees, asylum claimants and protected persons"
- • "victims of workplace abuse"
- • "people in crisis"
Other open work permit applicants
- • "Indigenous Peoples"
- • "permanent residence applicants"
- • "temporary resident permit holders" (see temporary resident permits)
- • "Quebec investors"
Each situation has its own eligibility rules on the IRCC page. We review which one applies to you.
No Job Offer or LMIA
IRCC states: "You don’t need a job offer to apply for an open work permit." "Open work permits aren’t job-specific, so if you have one, your employer doesn’t need to":
- • "apply for a labour market impact assessment"
- • "submit an offer of employment"
- • "pay the employer compliance fee"
Restrictions
IRCC states: "You may have restrictions listed on your open work permit related to the following:" (IRCC, Open work permit)
- • "You may need a medical exam to work in some jobs."
- • "If you have an open work permit under the provincial nominee class, you may be able to work only in a specific province."
Quick Facts
PGWP
IRCC states: "The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows students who have graduated from eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable Canadian work experience." (IRCC)
Learn about PGWP →Apply for Open Work Permit
A consultation is required to determine your eligibility and application strategy.
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