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- chloe@withuimmigration.com
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An open work permit allows work for most eligible employers, subject to the conditions on the permit. Common categories include:
These permits authorize work for the employer and under the conditions stated on the permit. Routes include:
Last reviewed: September 16, 2026.
PGWP. Graduation from a designated learning institution alone is not enough; the program and applicant must qualify. For current applications, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates need CLB/NCLC 7 in each language skill and have no field-of-study requirement. Other university graduates also need level 7; college and other non-university graduates generally need level 5. For non-degree programs, an eligible field of study is generally required if the study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024. Other rules and exemptions apply. Check PGWP eligibility
Partners of international students. Eligibility generally requires the student to hold a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master’s program of at least 16 months, a doctoral program, or a specifically listed professional degree or eligible program. Check student spouse requirements
Partners of foreign workers. Under the general route for workers outside eligible permanent residence pathways, the worker must be in TEER 0 or 1, or a specifically eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation, and normally have at least 16 months of work authorization remaining when IRCC receives the partner’s application. Dependent children are not eligible under this general route. Separate rules apply to qualifying permanent residence pathways, certain trade agreements and other exceptions. A 2026 measure also covers eligible spouses of workers under B.C. Significant Investment Project agreements, without the usual 16-month requirement. Check family work permit eligibility
IEC Working Holiday. Eligibility depends on citizenship, age, participation limits and an invitation. Young Professionals and International Co-op use employer-specific permits. Explore IEC
Bridging and sponsorship permits. A BOWP requires a qualifying permanent residence application and the applicable status and processing-stage requirements; an Express Entry profile alone is insufficient. Sponsored family members in Canada must meet their separate open work permit requirements. BOWP requirements · Sponsorship work permits
You need a qualifying job offer and the supporting employer documents. Depending on the category, your employer must obtain a positive LMIA or complete the relevant LMIA-exempt process. The permit sets your authorized employer, employment period and, where applicable, work location.
For most employer-specific LMIA-exempt applications, the employer submits an offer through the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee before you apply. Exemptions apply. IRCC: International Mobility Program
Your work permit application must meet the requirements for your category and place of application. A job offer or LMIA does not itself authorize you to start working.
If you hold an employer-specific permit and want to change jobs or employers, you must apply for a new permit. Eligible workers in Canada can request interim work authorization from IRCC after applying, but must wait for IRCC’s authorization before starting the new job. IRCC: Changing jobs or employers
We assess the available route, employer requirements and your current status before preparing an application.