PGWP | Spousal OWP | BOWP | IEC

Open Work Permit Canada 2025 — Work for Any Employer

What is an Open Work Permit?

An Open Work Permit (OWP) allows you to work for any employer in Canada (subject to any conditions on the permit). Unlike an employer-specific work permit, you do not need a job offer from a particular employer or an LMIA to get an OWP — eligibility is based on your situation (e.g. graduate, spouse, PR applicant).

Types of Open Work Permits

PGWP — Post-Graduation Work Permit for eligible graduates. Learn more.
Spousal OWP — For spouses of workers or students. Learn more.
IEC — International Experience Canada (Working Holiday, etc.). Learn more.
Vulnerable Worker OWP — For workers in abusive or exploitative situations.
Bridging OWP (BOWP) — For PR applicants whose work permit is expiring.
Hong Kong OWP — Special measures for Hong Kong residents.
Ukraine CUAET OWP — Special measures for Ukrainians.
PNP-linked OWP — Some provinces issue support letters for an OWP while PR is in process.

Who Qualifies for Each Type?

Each type has specific eligibility: PGWP requires recent graduation from an eligible DLI; spousal OWP requires your partner to hold a qualifying work or study permit; BOWP requires a PR application in an eligible program and an expiring work permit. VMC assesses your situation and recommends the right stream.

How to Apply

You apply online (or on paper in some cases) through IRCC. The form and supporting documents depend on the type of OWP. Some permits are applied for at the same time as another application (e.g. inland sponsorship). VMC prepares complete applications for all OWP types.

Bridging OWP (BOWP) for PR Applicants

If you have applied for permanent residence under Express Entry, PNP, or another eligible economic program and your current work permit will expire before you get a decision, you may be eligible for a BOWP. This lets you continue working while your PR application is processed. Specific eligibility and timing rules apply — VMC can confirm your situation.

OWP Restrictions

Some open work permits have conditions — for example, you may not work for employers who have failed to comply with TFWP rules, or in certain types of businesses. Your permit will state any restrictions. If your permit is unrestricted, you may work for any employer in any job.

Frequently Asked Questions

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada (with possible exceptions noted on the permit). An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer and often requires an LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer from that employer.

Eligibility depends on the stream: PGWP graduates, spouses of workers/students, IEC participants, vulnerable workers, PR applicants (BOWP), and some special measure beneficiaries. Each stream has its own requirements.

A BOWP allows you to keep working while your application for permanent residence is in progress, if your current work permit is about to expire. You must have applied for PR under an eligible economic program (e.g. Express Entry, PNP) and meet other criteria.

Some open work permits have conditions — for example, no work in certain sectors (e.g. adult entertainment, strip clubs) or no work for employers who have failed compliance. Your permit will state any conditions.

It depends on the type. PGWP, spousal OWP, BOWP, and others each have their own application process and forms. You may apply online from inside or outside Canada depending on the stream. VMC confirms your eligibility and guides you through the correct process.

Find Your Open Work Permit Option — Free Assessment

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