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Writer's pictureMarcia Freese

Open Work Permits - Do You Qualify?

Updated: Feb 27, 2023

Many people are requesting quotes from our website for open work permits not realizing that they don’t qualify for one.


If you don’t meet the requirements for open work permits these categories, then you’ll need an employer specific work permit which needs to be accompanied by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or in certain cases the work permit can be LMIA-exempt. You do need a job offer for an employer specific work permit.


An open work permit does not need a job offer, but can only be issued of you fall under one of these categories:

1. Spouse or common-law partner of:

  • Employer specific work permit (LMIA or LMIA-exempt) holder

  • Bridging open work permit (BOWP) holder

  • Post-Graduation work permit (PGWP) holder

  • Study permit holder

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holder

  • Provincial Nominees

  • Quebec selection certificate (CQS) holder

2. Working holiday participants

3. BOWP

4. PGWP


A BOWP lets you keep working in Canada while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application. You may be eligible if you applied to one of the permanent residency programs below while on an employer specific work permit:

  • Permanent residence using Express Entry

  • Provincial Nominee Program

  • Quebec Skilled Workers

  • Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot

  • Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs

  • Agri-Food Pilot


There are two types of open work permits: unrestricted and restricted. Restricted can mean occupational restrictions, or location restrictions (such as a bridging open work permit under the provincial nominee class).


You cannot work for employers whose activities are those of escorting, strip tease, erotic massages and erotic dance.


Because an open work permit is not job specific, you will not need the following when you apply for your work permit:

  • LMIA from Social Development Canada, or

  • Proof that the employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer portal and paid the compliance fee


If you are not sure which work permit you qualify for, please book a consultation with our registered Canadian immigration consultant.


Note that we do not assist with job offers

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Unknown member
Dec 15, 2022

I want to immigrate to Canada permanently

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