An open work permit is a work permit that does not restrict the holder to a specific employer, occupation, or workplace location. Unlike a closed (employer-specific) work permit, an open work permit allows the holder to take any job with any eligible employer in Canada, change employers freely, and work in multiple roles simultaneously. Canada issues several types of open work permits, each tied to a specific qualifying category — there is no single catch-all open work permit. Understanding which type you qualify for is the first step.
All open work permit applicants pay a combined fee of $255: the standard $155 work permit fee plus the $100 open work permit holder fee. Biometrics ($85) may also be payable if not currently on file. The open work permit holder fee applies regardless of the specific OWP type, and it funds IRCC’s compliance and worker protection infrastructure.
📋 Quick Facts
- Government Fee: Work permit: $155 + $100 open work permit holder fee = $255 total.
- Biometrics: $85 individual
- Processing Time: Varies by type: PGWP ~80–180 days; Spousal OWP ~3–4 months; BOWP ~3–4 months; Vulnerable Worker OWP varies.
- RCIC-IRB Representation: Available — Dimple Verma R708308
Eligibility Requirements
- Allows holder to work for any eligible employer in Canada without a specific job offer
- Main types: PGWP (for international graduates), Spousal OWP (A74), BOWP (bridging for PR applicants), Vulnerable Worker OWP
- Must pay both $155 work permit fee and $100 open work permit holder fee
- Eligibility varies by type (e.g., PGWP requires graduation from eligible DLI; SOWP requires AOR for spousal sponsorship)
- Work permit holder fee ($100) applies regardless of the specific OWP type
- Duration varies by type (PGWP: 8 months to 3 years; SOWP: typically 1–2 years)
Types of Open Work Permits
Canada issues open work permits under several distinct programmes, each with different qualifying conditions:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — For graduates of eligible Canadian institutions. Valid for a period matching the programme length (up to 3 years for programmes of 2+ years). One-time, non-renewable.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP, A74) — For spouses/common-law partners of persons with a pending inland spousal PR application (AOR received), or spouses of certain skilled workers and international students.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — For workers in Canada with an active PR application (AOR received) whose current work permit is expiring.
- Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers — Fee-exempt open work permit for TFWs facing abuse or risk of abuse from their current employer.
- Working Holiday (IEC) — Open work permit for citizens of IEC countries under the Working Holiday stream of International Experience Canada.
- Refugee and Protection Claimants — Certain asylum seekers and persons awaiting refugee decisions may receive open work permits.
- Destitute Students — International students who have run out of funds in certain circumstances may qualify for an open work permit to regain financial stability.
The qualifying conditions, processing times, and fees vary by type. Some types (PGWP, SOWP, BOWP) are the most commonly applied-for; others are relatively rare.
What Open Work Permit Holders Can and Cannot Do
An open work permit grants broad work authorisation with a few important limits:
- Any eligible employer: Holders can work for any Canadian employer, in any NOC occupation, anywhere in Canada. They can change jobs without notifying IRCC.
- Ineligible employers excluded: IRCC maintains a list of employers who have been found non-compliant with TFWP or IMP rules. Open work permit holders cannot legally accept employment with these employers, even though the permit does not name a specific employer.
- No restriction on part-time vs. full-time: The permit does not specify hours. Holders can work full-time, part-time, or in multiple jobs simultaneously.
- No occupation restriction: Open work permits do not restrict the type of work. A PGWP holder is free to work as a barista, an engineer, or anything in between — though working in a skilled occupation is essential for building CRS-qualifying Canadian work experience.
Processing Times by OWP Type
Processing times vary materially by permit type:
| OWP Type | Approximate Processing Time |
|---|---|
| PGWP | 80–180 days (inland) |
| Spousal OWP (A74) | 3–4 months (after AOR) |
| Bridging OWP | 3–4 months |
| Working Holiday (IEC) | 2–3 months after ITA |
| Vulnerable Worker OWP | 2–3 months (priority processing) |
Implied status protects applicants who apply to renew or change status before their current permit expires — they can continue working under their previous permit conditions while waiting for the new permit decision. This is particularly important for PGWP holders applying for a BOWP, and for workers applying for an SOWP while on a study or work permit.
Using an Open Work Permit for PR Strategy
An open work permit is most strategically valuable when the holder works in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0–3) during the permit period, accumulating Canadian work experience that qualifies for Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class. Use the CRS Calculator to estimate how one year of Canadian skilled work experience affects your CRS score — for many applicants, it is the single largest CRS boost available.
The flexibility to change employers without prior IRCC approval is particularly advantageous for career development and salary optimisation during the work permit period. Holders should keep records of employment (employer names, start/end dates, NOC codes, hours worked) as this information will be required in future PR applications.
How VGIS Can Help
Identifying the right OWP type, timing the application correctly, and ensuring all supporting documents are in order requires careful analysis of your specific situation. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, helps clients determine OWP eligibility, prepare applications, and integrate the work permit into a longer-term PR strategy. Book a paid consultation to review your options.
Fees & Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Government Fee | Work permit: $155 + $100 open work permit holder fee = $255 total. |
| Biometrics | $85 individual |
Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.
Key Documents Required
- Applicable qualifying document (e.g., final transcript for PGWP, AOR for SOWP)
- Work permit application forms
- Passport
- Biometrics (if applicable)
- Study permit copy (for PGWP applicants)
- Letter confirming AOR or PR application receipt (for BOWP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an open work permit without a job offer?
Yes — that is the defining feature of an open work permit. You do not need a specific job offer to apply for most types of OWP. You need to qualify for one of the specific OWP categories (PGWP, SOWP, BOWP, IEC Working Holiday, etc.) based on your immigration status and circumstances, but the permit itself does not require a pre-existing job offer.
Do I need to work in any specific occupation while on an open work permit?
No. An open work permit has no occupation restriction. However, working in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0–3) is strongly advisable if you want to accumulate Canadian Experience Class-qualifying work experience for permanent residence. Working in lower-skill occupations during your open permit period is legal but does not build the right type of experience for most PR pathways.
Can I renew an open work permit?
It depends on the type. The PGWP cannot be renewed — it is one-time only. The SOWP and BOWP can be renewed as long as the qualifying condition (pending PR application or pending sponsorship) continues. The IEC Working Holiday is a one-time permit per stream but may be followed by participation in a different IEC stream (Young Professionals or Co-op).
My open work permit is expiring but I have not received PR. What do I do?
The appropriate next step depends on your situation. If you have a PR application pending with an AOR, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. If you are sponsored by a spouse, the SOWP may be renewable. If you have no pending PR application, you need to apply for a different type of work permit (employer-specific, another IEC stream, etc.) before your current permit expires to maintain status.
Does the $100 open work permit holder fee apply every time I renew?
Yes. The $100 open work permit holder fee is payable each time you apply for or renew an open work permit. It is in addition to the standard $155 work permit fee and applies to all OWP types.
Official Government Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/open-work-permit.html
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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.