Open work permits, which allow holders to work for almost any employer in Canada, are available for foreign nationals in specific situations.
This article will cover:
- The most common types of Open Work Permits (OWPs);
- Eligibility requirements for each OWP type and how to apply; and
- OWP restrictions and limitations.
Common types of Open Work Permits
The table below lists the most common OWP types, whom they are for, and the maximum validity period of each OWP type.
| Work permit type | Who’s it for? | Maximum work permit validity |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation Work Permit | International graduates of eligible institutions | 3 years |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | Spouses of certain temporary foreign workers and international students | Length of principal applicant’s work permit |
| International Experience Canada Working Holiday | Youth aged 18 to 35 (or 18 to 30) from select countries | 2 years |
| Open Work Permit for PNP candidates | Provincial nominee candidates with an OWP support letter from a participating province/territory | 2 years |
| Bridging Open Work Permit | Temporary workers in Canada awaiting a decision on their PR application | 2 years |
| Refugee Claimant Open Work Permit | Individuals who have made a claim for refugee protection and are awaiting a decision | 2 years |
If you’re starting from scratch and looking to obtain an open work permit, your best bet will likely be to study in Canada in order to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you’re aged 18-35 or 18-30 and a citizen of select countries, you also have the option of pursuing a Working Holiday work permit through International Experience Canada (IEC).