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Any
Employer
No
LMIA needed
1-3 yr
Typical validity
RCIC
VMC support
VMC assesses your situation and recommends the right stream.
Book your Expert Consultation →An Open Work Permit (OWP) is a Canadian work permit that allows you to work for any employer, in any occupation, in any province - without a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
| Feature | Open Work Permit | Closed Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Any employer in Canada | One specific employer named on permit |
| Province | Any province or territory | Usually province-specific |
| Occupation | Any (with few exceptions) | Usually specific NOC listed |
| LMIA required? | No | Usually yes (or LMIA-exempt offer) |
| Job offer needed? | No | Yes (in most cases) |
| Flexibility | Full flexibility to change jobs | Must apply to change employer |
| Who qualifies | Graduates, PR applicants, refugees, spouses, abuse victims | Foreign workers with employer offer |
These are the main OWP streams handled on this page. PGWP and Spousal OWP have dedicated pages. IEC (Working Holiday) has its own stream.
Note on PGWP and Spousal OWP: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (for Canadian graduates) and Spousal Open Work Permit (for spouses of workers and students) are the two most common OWP types and have their own dedicated pages with full eligibility details. PGWP → Spousal OWP →
The Bridging OWP is the most important OWP for temporary workers already in Canada who have applied for PR. It prevents a gap in your legal work authorization while IRCC processes your permanent residence application.
Your permanent residence application must be in process under Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST), PNP linked to Express Entry, Atlantic Immigration Program, or other eligible economic streams. Family sponsorship PR does not qualify for BOWP.
You must hold a valid work permit at the time of applying for BOWP. Do not wait until your work permit is close to expiry - apply well in advance. Some streams require the PR application to have been submitted while your work permit was still valid.
Copy of your PR application submission (acknowledgment of receipt from IRCC), copy of current work permit, passport, proof of status, and any additional documents requested for your specific stream.
Submit the BOWP application through your IRCC secure online account. Select 'Open Work Permit - Bridging' as the work permit type. Pay the application fee (CAD $155 work permit + $85 biometrics if not previously provided).
If your current work permit expires while the BOWP application is being processed, you maintain 'implied status' and can continue working legally in the same occupation for the same employer, provided you applied before your permit expired.
BOWP is typically valid for 1 year or until a decision is made on your PR application, whichever comes first. If your PR is approved, you become a permanent resident. If refused, you may need another work permit or departure.
The Bridging OWP is typically issued for 1 year or until a final decision is made on your permanent residence application - whichever comes first. If your PR application takes longer than 1 year, you can apply for a BOWP renewal.
If your permanent residence application is refused while you hold a BOWP, your BOWP remains valid until its expiry date. You must leave Canada before the BOWP expires or obtain another form of valid status. VMC can advise on options immediately after a PR refusal.
VMC helps PR applicants identify BOWP eligibility, gather the right documents, and submit before any work authorization gap occurs.
Most OWP applications are submitted online through your IRCC secure account. The documents and forms vary significantly by OWP type.
Open Work Permit: CAD $155 · Biometrics (if required): CAD $85 · Open Work Permit Holder fee: CAD $100 (paid on approval, not at application). Processing times: 2-5 months for most inland OWP applications. Check the IRCC website for current times before applying.
If you applied to renew or change your OWP before your current permit expired, you have "implied status" - you can continue working in the same capacity (same employer, same occupation for closed permits) while IRCC processes your new application. You cannot travel outside Canada on implied status.
Your OWP allows you to work in Canada, but returning from travel has specific requirements depending on your travel document and nationality.
If your country is visa-exempt (UK, France, Germany, Australia, etc.), you can travel and re-enter Canada on your valid OWP and a valid passport. You may need an eTA linked to your current passport for air travel.
If your country requires a visa to enter Canada (India, Philippines, China, etc.), you need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter after travel abroad. Your OWP alone does not authorize re-entry if you need a TRV.
If your OWP has expired and your renewal is pending (implied status), you cannot leave and re-enter Canada. Leaving Canada terminates your implied status - you may be refused entry on return.
These are the errors VMC sees most often - and each one can delay or jeopardize your ability to work legally in Canada.
Still have questions? Our licensed RCICs answer within 24 hours.
Book your Expert ConsultationVMC's licensed RCICs identify your OWP eligibility, prepare complete applications, and keep you working legally in Canada.
GTA or anywhere in Canada: temporary status, PR strategy, employer files, or refusal review. We outline the plan before forms multiply.