Work in Canada

Open Work Permit

An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer or LMIA. Eligibility depends on your situation — and the rules changed significantly in 2025.

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COMMON CATEGORIES

Who May Qualify

Graduates

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Eligible graduates of designated learning institutions. See our PGWP page →

Family of Students

Spouses of International Students

Since January 21, 2025, spouses and common-law partners qualify only if the student is enrolled in:

  • A master’s program of 16 months or longer
  • A doctoral program
  • Certain professional degrees (e.g. medicine, law, dentistry, engineering, nursing, education, pharmacy)
Family of Workers

Spouses of Foreign Workers

Spouses may qualify if the worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation, and has at least 16 months left on their work permit when the spouse applies. Spouses of TEER 4 and 5 workers, and dependent children of workers, are generally no longer eligible under this category.

PR Applicants

Bridging Open Work Permit

For principal applicants who have applied for permanent residence (e.g. Express Entry or PNP), are in Canada with valid worker status, and have received an acknowledgement of receipt — so they can keep working while they wait.

Family Sponsorship

Inland Spousal Sponsorship

Spouses and partners being sponsored from inside Canada may be eligible to work while the PR application is processed. See spousal sponsorship →

Other

Other Situations

Vulnerable workers facing abuse on an employer-specific permit, refugee claimants and protected persons, and holders of temporary resident permits may also be eligible. TRP holders →

OUR SERVICE

How We Help

Category Assessment

Confirm which category you qualify under

Timing Strategy

Align permit dates with your spouse or PR file

Application

Complete, well-documented submission

Status Protection

Plan extensions before status expires

FAQ
Under the rules in effect since January 21, 2025, generally no. Eligibility now depends on the student’s program: master’s programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs, or certain professional degrees.
As of January 21, 2025, dependent children of foreign workers generally no longer qualify under the family-of-workers category. Some exceptions apply where the worker is on a pathway to permanent residence.
If you are the principal applicant on an eligible PR application, a bridging open work permit may allow you to keep working. Apply before your current permit expires.

Requirements change frequently. The information on this page summarizes IRCC guidance as reviewed in September 2026 and is for general information only. For current rules, see the official Government of Canada page, or book a consultation for advice on your situation.

NEXT STEP

Find the Right Work Permit for Your Family

Open work permit rules now depend closely on your spouse’s program or occupation. We help you confirm eligibility before you apply.

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