Open Work Permit Canada 2026 - Work for Any Employer
An Open Work Permit (OWP) allows you to work for any Canadian employer without a job offer or LMIA. VMC's licensed RCICs identify which OWP stream you qualify for and prepare a complete application — Bridging OWP, refugee OWP, vulnerable worker, and more.
OWP at a glance
Any
Employer
No
LMIA needed
1–3 yr
Typical validity
RCIC
VMC support
Related programs
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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).
Any Employer
Unlike a closed work permit, an OWP does not name a specific employer. You can start a new job, switch employers, or work for multiple employers without any immigration applications.
Any Province, Any Occupation
Move from Ontario to BC, switch from IT to construction, or take on completely different work — your OWP follows you. Geographic and occupational flexibility is the core benefit.
No LMIA Required
LMIA-exempt means no employer needs to advertise the position or prove no Canadian was available. Employers can hire OWP holders immediately — making you more attractive to Canadian employers.
Limited Exceptions
A few restrictions apply to all OWP holders: no working for employers listed as non-compliant by IRCC. Some permits may restrict work in healthcare, childcare, or education sectors requiring police checks.
Validity Varies by Stream
OWP validity ranges from 1 year (BOWP) to 3 years (CUAET). The length depends on which type you qualify for and your underlying immigration situation.
Work While Waiting
Many OWPs — especially the Bridging OWP — exist precisely to keep workers employed while IRCC processes longer applications like permanent residence.
Open vs. Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit
| 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 |
Types of Open Work Permits (General)
These are the main OWP streams handled on this page. PGWP and Spousal OWP have dedicated pages. IEC (Working Holiday) has its own stream.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
For PR applicants whose work permit is expiring while awaiting a permanent residence decision. Allows you to keep working legally while IRCC processes your PR application under Express Entry, PNP, or other eligible economic streams.
- Valid work permit currently held
- Complete PR application submitted under eligible stream
- Eligible stream: Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration, Rural & Northern
- PR application must be in process (not yet decided)
OWP for Refugee Claimants
Persons who have made a refugee claim in Canada and are awaiting a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) may apply for an OWP after 180 days from the date of their claim.
- Refugee claim filed with IRCC or at port of entry
- 180 days elapsed since claim date
- Claim not yet decided or withdrawn
- Must not be subject to removal or ineligibility finding
OWP for Protected Persons
Convention refugees and persons in need of protection who have been granted protected person status in Canada are eligible for an open work permit. This includes positive IRB decisions.
- Positive refugee decision from IRB
- IRCC protected person determination letter
- Awaiting PR application processing
- Must maintain protected person status
OWP under CUAET (Ukraine)
Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members authorized to enter Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization (CUAET) are eligible for an open work permit valid up to 3 years.
- Ukrainian national or immediate family member
- Authorized under CUAET measures
- Must have biometrics or exemption
- Apply online or at port of entry
OWP for Victims of Abuse
Foreign nationals in abusive or exploitative situations — including employer abuse or domestic abuse — may qualify for a special open work permit that removes them from the abusive situation. No job offer required.
- Currently in Canada with valid immigration status
- Subject to abuse or exploitation by employer or partner
- Physical, financial, psychological, or sexual abuse qualifies
- Employer's LMIA or job offer NOT required
OWP for H&C Applicants & Deferred Removal
In certain circumstances, persons who have applied on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds, or whose removal has been deferred, may be eligible for an open work permit to maintain legal status and income.
- H&C application submitted with compelling circumstances
- Or: removal order with active deferral in place
- Must demonstrate financial need or hardship
- Assessed on a case-by-case basis — VMC advises
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 →
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) - Complete Guide
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.
BOWP Eligibility: The Three Key Requirements
- 1. Valid work permit: You must hold a valid (not expired) work permit at the time you apply for BOWP.
- 2. Eligible PR application: You must have submitted a complete PR application under an eligible economic stream (Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic, Rural).
- 3. Application received (AOR): IRCC must have acknowledged receipt of your PR application — you need the AOR document.
How to Apply for a Bridging OWP
Confirm PR Application is Eligible
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.
Check Your Current Work Permit
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.
Gather Your Documents
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.
Apply Online via IRCC Portal
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).
Maintain Implied Status
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.
Receive BOWP Decision
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.
BOWP Length
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.
What If PR is Refused?
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.
PR Application Pending? Don't Let Your Work Permit Expire.
VMC helps PR applicants identify BOWP eligibility, gather the right documents, and submit before any work authorization gap occurs.
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit
Most OWP applications are submitted online through your IRCC secure account. The documents and forms vary significantly by OWP type.
All OWP Types
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Copy of current permit/status document
- Completed application forms (IRCC online)
- Application fee payment
Bridging OWP (BOWP)
- Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) of PR application
- Current work permit copy
- PR application submission documents
- Express Entry profile number or PNP nomination letter
Refugee / Protected Person OWP
- Refugee claim confirmation (BOC / hearing notice)
- Protected person decision letter (if applicable)
- Identity documents
- 180-day calculation evidence
Vulnerable Worker OWP
- Evidence of abuse (police report, medical report, shelter letter, etc.)
- Statutory declaration (sworn statement) about the situation
- Immigration status document
- Support organization letter (if available)
Government Fees (2026)
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.
Working While Waiting (Implied Status)
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.
Traveling Outside Canada on an Open Work Permit
Your OWP allows you to work in Canada, but returning from travel has specific requirements depending on your travel document and nationality.
If You Are Visa-Exempt
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 You Need a TRV
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.
Do NOT Travel on Implied Status
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.
Common Open Work Permit Mistakes
These are the errors VMC sees most often — and each one can delay or jeopardize your ability to work legally in Canada.
Applying for BOWP Too Late
Many workers wait until their work permit has only weeks left before applying for the Bridging OWP. IRCC recommends applying at least 3-4 months before expiry. Late applications risk gaps in legal work authorization.
Wrong OWP Stream
There are many OWP categories and each has strict eligibility. Applying under the wrong category leads to refusals. VMC assesses your situation and recommends the correct stream before you spend time and money on a wrong application.
Not Understanding Which PR Streams Qualify for BOWP
Not all PR applications qualify for BOWP. Family sponsorship, inland spousal sponsorship, and some humanitarian applications do not automatically entitle you to a BOWP. Economic streams (Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic, Rural) are the main qualifying categories.
Missing Biometrics
If you have not provided biometrics recently (they expire after 10 years or age 14-79 rule), you must attend a biometrics appointment at a VAC or designated location. Missing this step delays your OWP significantly.
Traveling Outside Canada on Implied Status
If your OWP expires while your renewal is pending (implied status), you cannot leave and re-enter Canada. Traveling outside Canada on implied status ends your implied status and you may be refused re-entry.
Vulnerable Workers Not Knowing They Qualify
Many abused or exploited foreign workers do not know they can apply for an OWP outside of their employment situation. VMC advises vulnerable workers on their rights and helps them safely exit abusive situations.
Open Work Permit — Frequently Asked Questions
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