Who is Eligible for a Canada Open Work Permit this 2025

28 May 2025 | Canada

To work in Canada, most foreign nationals need a work permit, which falls into two main categories: open and closed.

An open work permit gives you the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada without restrictions.

In contrast, a closed work permit is tied to a specific employer, meaning you can only work for that designated business under certain conditions.

With an open work permit, you don’t need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a Canadian employer.

This type of permit also allows you to work up to 40 hours per week.

As of January 2025, Canada revised its Open Work Permit (OWP) regulations, affecting eligibility for spouses and dependent children of international students and foreign workers.

Would you like us to check your eligibility for Canada Immigration Programs?

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What Are the New Rules for Canada’s Open Work Permit?

Starting January 2025, Canada has updated the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers.

OWPs allow qualified individuals to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer or LMIA.

However, the revised rules are more selective, now targeting specific groups to better align with Canada’s economic priorities and labour market demands.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced these changes to ensure a balanced approach to immigration while addressing workforce gaps in key sectors.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the new OWP rules, the situations where you may qualify, and how to successfully apply in 2025.

Whether you’re an international student, a foreign worker, or a family member, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

What is an Open Work Permit in Canada?

An Open Work Permit (OWP) grants you the ability to work for virtually any employer anywhere in Canada. Unlike a closed work permit—restricted to a single employer—an OWP allows you to:

Select any job or profession
Work in any province or city
Change employers without applying for a new permit

Because you don’t need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to qualify, an OWP offers considerable flexibility for many foreign nationals.

Who Is Eligible for an Open Work Permit in Canada in 2025?

Eligibility for an OWP varies based on your individual circumstances. The primary categories for 2025 are:

1. Canadian-Graduated International Students

Minimum age: 18
Completed a full-time study program of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

2. Spouses of International Students

Partner must be enrolled full-time in either:
- A master’s degree program of 16 months or longer
- A doctoral program
- Certain professional programs (e.g., medicine, law, engineering)—see IRCC’s January 21, 2025 list
Applicant cannot be a full-time student

3. Spouses of Foreign Workers

Partner holds a work permit for a high-skilled role (TEER 0 or 1 under the NOC)
Or works in select TEER 2 or 3 positions within labour-shortage sectors (healthcare, construction, education, natural sciences)
Partner’s permit must remain valid for at least 16 months at the time of application

4. Permanent Residence Applicants

You’ve applied for PR and are residing in Canada—eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Your spouse may also apply if sponsored through Inland PR sponsorship

5. Other Eligible Groups

Refugees, asylum seekers, or their immediate family members
Participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (typically ages 18–35, by country)
Individuals on employer-specific work permits experiencing or at risk of workplace abuse
Students facing financial hardship (“destitute students”)

Note: As of January 21, 2025, dependent children of international students or foreign workers are no longer eligible to apply for an OWP.

What Are the 2025 Eligibility Changes for Spouses?

The 2025 policy revisions introduced significant adjustments for spouses of both international students and foreign workers.

Spouses of International Students

Prior Rule (Pre-2025): Any spouse of a full-time post-secondary student could apply for an OWP.
New Rule (2025): Only spouses of students enrolled in these programs qualify:
- Master’s degrees (minimum 16 months)
- Doctoral degrees
- Designated professional programs (e.g., MD, LLB/JD, B.Eng.)
Documentation Required:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Student’s enrollment evidence (e.g., acceptance letter or official transcripts)

Spouses of Foreign Workers

Prior Rule (Pre-2025): Most spouses of foreign workers—excluding those in low-skilled roles—were eligible.
New Rule (2025): Eligibility now hinges on the principal worker’s occupation:
- They must hold a TEER 0 or 1 position (high-skilled)
- Or occupy select TEER 2 or 3 roles in in-demand sectors (healthcare, construction, education)
- Their work permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of your application

Exceptions

Spouses of workers covered under free-trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA) remain unaffected.
Spouses of applicants in the process of transitioning to permanent residence can still apply for an OWP.

What About Dependent Children?

Prior to 2025, dependent children of international students and foreign workers could obtain OWPs.

As of January 21, 2025:

Dependent children are no longer eligible for Open Work Permits.
They may still apply for study permits or other visas, as appropriate.

If a dependent child holds an existing OWP that hasn’t yet expired, it remains valid until its original expiry date. They may renew that permit provided:

They continue to meet the initial eligibility requirements, and
The renewed permit’s validity aligns with the principal applicant’s (parent’s) study or work permit duration.

Options When You Don’t Qualify for an OWP

If the updated guidelines leave you ineligible for an Open Work Permit, consider these alternatives:

Employer-Specific Work Permit: Explore whether you meet the criteria for a closed work permit tied to a particular Canadian employer or other federal/provincial immigration streams.
Visitor Visa: You may remain in Canada as a temporary resident, though visitor status does not permit employment.
Study Permit: Dependent children (or others interested in academics) can apply for a study permit to enroll in Canadian schools or institutions.

Why Did Canada Change the Open Work Permit Rules?

The Canadian government implemented these adjustments to:

Prioritize occupations and sectors with critical labour shortages—such as healthcare and education.
Lower the proportion of temporary residents in the country (from 6.5% to 5% of the population, in line with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan).
Align immigration programs with Canada’s economic priorities while upholding fairness and program integrity.

These changes, however, have generated discussion. Critics warn that:

International students may opt for other study destinations if their spouses can’t work.
Families could experience financial strain with fewer earners.
Canada’s image as a family-friendly, welcoming country might suffer.

Proponents counter that the new rules will:

Improve job placement in high-demand fields.
Decrease underemployment among foreign workers.
Enhance overall economic productivity in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can spouses of diploma or certificate students apply for an Open Work Permit in 2025?

No. Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of students enrolled in Master’s programs (16+ months), Doctoral programs, or designated professional programs are eligible.

What is the application fee for an Open Work Permit in 2025?

The total cost is CAD 255, comprising a CAD 155 work permit application fee and a CAD 100 open work permit holder fee.

What are my options if I no longer qualify for a work permit?

Depending on your circumstances, you may apply for an employer-specific work permit, a visitor visa, or a study permit.

Why You Should Choose Simard & Associates as Your Immigration Lawyer?

At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.

For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultant & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you.

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