Unlike a closed (or employer-specific) work permit, which strictly limits you to a particular employer, an open work permit allows you the freedom to work almost anywhere in Canada.

You do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and you do not need a job offer.

Who Qualifies for an Open Work Permit?

1. Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Skilled Workers, International Students, or Canadian Citizens

If your spouse or partner is already living in Canada as a skilled worker, full-time student, or is a Canadian citizen/permanent resident, you may be eligible for an open spousal work permit.

Eligibility:

You can apply if:

• Your partner has a valid study or work permit
• You are legally married or can prove common-law partnership (living together for 12+ consecutive months)
• Your partner is working in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (for skilled workers)

Documents You’ll Need:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or proof of common-law status)
• Copy of your spouse’s work or study permit
• Employment letter or enrollment letter from your spouse’s employer or school
• Recent utility bills, lease, or shared bank statements (for common-law)
• Valid passport
• Digital photo and biometrics

Pro Tip: You can apply from inside or outside Canada, and if you’re already here, you can get maintained status by applying before your current status expires.

4. Permanent Residence Applicants (Inland Streams)

If you’ve applied for permanent residence from inside Canada, especially under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class or Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) while you wait.

Eligibility:

You may apply for an OWP if:

• You’ve submitted a complete inland PR application
• Your current status is valid
• You’re in Canada at the time of application

Documents You’ll Need:

• Proof of PR submission (confirmation of receipt or AOR)
• Passport
• Proof of legal status in Canada
• Application form and biometrics
• Payment for processing and open work permit holder fee

Bonus: This allows you to stay and work legally in Canada while waiting for IRCC’s decision on your PR file.

5. Youth under International Experience Canada (IEC) – e.g., Working Holiday Program

If you’re between 18 and 35 and from a country that has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit through IEC, commonly known as a Working Holiday Visa.

Eligibility:

You must:

• Be from a participating country (e.g., Australia, UK, Ireland, France, Japan, etc.)
• Be within the eligible age range (usually 18–30 or 18–35 depending on country)
• Have a valid passport
• Meet health and financial requirements
• Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via the IEC pool system

 Documents You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Police certificate
• Proof of funds (at least $2,500 CAD to cover initial expenses)
• Travel insurance coverage for your stay
• Biometrics and medical (if applicable)

IEC work permits are typically valid for up to 2 years and are a great way to explore Canada while gaining work experience.

Looking to work in Canada but already tied to an employer? If you’re coming in on a job offer—or already working under one—you’re likely dealing with a Closed Work Permit.

A Closed Work Permit (also known as an Employer-Specific Work Permit) is one of the most common ways foreign nationals legally work in Canada. But here’s the catch: it comes with strict conditions—and you can’t just switch jobs or employers without updating your permit.

Here’s your go-to breakdown of what it is, who qualifies, and what you’ll need to apply—brought to you by VisaPath, where we make immigration strategic, not stressful.

What Is a Closed Work Permit?

A Closed Work Permit authorizes you to work in Canada, but only for a specific employer, in a specific job role, at a specific location, and for a defined period of time.

You’ll see all of this listed on your actual work permit:

• Employer’s name
• Occupation/title
• Work location (city or province)
• Duration (start and end dates)

If you leave that employer, change jobs, or relocate, your permit becomes invalid, and you’ll need to apply for a new one or seek a restoration of status.

1. LMIA-Based Jobs

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It proves there’s no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the role.

Eligibility:

• You’ve received a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
• The employer has secured a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
• You meet all job requirements (education, experience, language skills)

 Documents You’ll Need:

• Copy of the LMIA
• Job offer letter
• Employer compliance fee receipt
• Employment contract
• Your passport
• Completed IRCC forms
• Biometrics and medical (if required)

Pro Tip: LMIA-based work permits are employer-restricted and typically valid for 1–2 years. If you want to change employers, you’ll need a new LMIA and a new work permit.

2. Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

Working for a multinational company that’s relocating you to Canada? The ICT stream allows companies to transfer key personnel—like executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized knowledge—to their Canadian office.

Eligibility:

• You’ve worked for the company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years
• The Canadian and foreign entities have a qualifying relationship (branch, parent, subsidiary, affiliate)
• Your role in Canada will be executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge-based

 Documents You’ll Need:

• Offer of employment detailing your Canadian role
• Proof of qualifying relationship (corporate documents, registration)
• Resume and reference letters
• Company organizational chart
• Business plan (for new Canadian operations)
• Valid passport, forms, and fee receipts

ICT work permits are LMIA-exempt, but employer-specific. You cannot work for another company while on this permit.

Can You Extend a Closed Work Permit?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. You’ll need:

• A new job offer (with a new LMIA or exemption code)
• Continued legal status in Canada
• Updated documents (passport, forms, biometrics)

If you change employers or your job role significantly changes, you’ll need to apply for a completely new permit, not just an extension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Working for an employer not listed on your permit
• ❌ Assuming an LMIA is a work permit (they are different!)
• ❌ Ignoring the permit expiry date
• ❌ Changing job title or work location without notifying IRCC

❌ Failing to apply for a new permit when switching employers

Permanent Residency and Work Permits

Work permits are generally processed much faster than permanent residency applications. For example, if you are sponsoring your spouse from inside Canada, your spouse can also apply for an open work permit at the same time.

The work permit decision is made halfway through the overall processing time, allowing the applicant your sponsored spouse to begin working sooner, rather than waiting for the permanent residency decision.

Keep in mind that other requirements must also be met. In this case, if a spousal sponsorship application includes an open work permit application, your spouse must also be residing with you at the same address.

Missed your expiry date? Don’t panic—but act fast. If your work permit has expired and you didn’t apply to extend in time, you may be eligible for restoration of status.

You can apply for restoration if:

• Your permit expired within the past 90 days
• You meet the original conditions for your work permit
• You have not committed any violations that make you inadmissible

Restoration Requirements:

• A full application for the same or different work permit
• A restoration fee (currently $229 CAD)
• Explanation of why you failed to extend on time

Restoration doesn’t guarantee approval—but done correctly, it can save your legal status in Canada.

The work permit decision is made halfway through the overall processing time, allowing the applicant your sponsored spouse to begin working sooner, rather than waiting for the permanent residency decision.

At VisaPath, our representatives understand all the ins and outs of work permit applications.

We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you compile a strong and convicting application. For many of our clients, the ability to work and generate an income cannot be overstated. We ensure you understand and take advantage of the opportunity to work in Canada.