Work for Any Employer in Canada
An Open Work Permit gives you the freedom to work for almost any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job, employer or location.
Apply for Open Work PermitFlexibility
Work Freely
Check Eligibility
Step 1
Gather Documents
Step 2
Apply Online
Step 3
Start Working
Goal
Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows a foreign national to work for any eligible employer in Canada. Unlike a closed work permit, it is not tied to a specific job, employer, or location.
Open Work Permits are available to specific groups including post-graduation students (PGWP), spouses of skilled workers or international students, refugee claimants, and those applying for permanent residency. You do not need a job offer or an LMIA to apply.
No Job Offer Required
You can apply without a specific job offer. Find work after arriving, or change employers freely.
Any Employer
Work for virtually any employer in Canada, in any occupation and any province or territory.
No LMIA Needed
An Open Work Permit is LMIA-exempt, making the process faster and simpler for eligible applicants.
PGWP Stream
International graduates from eligible Canadian institutions can apply for a PGWP open work permit.
Spouse / Partner
Spouses of skilled workers on valid work permits or international students may qualify for an open permit.
Pathway to PR
Work experience gained on an open work permit can contribute to Express Entry and provincial nominee programs.
Common
Questions
Open Work Permit Insights
