Canada•North AmericaWork Permit - Open
At a Glance
Processing Time
28-42 days
Application Fee
255 CAD
Stay Duration
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Not Specified
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Unrestricted work authorization allowing employment with any Canadian employer. Available in specific circumstances including spouse/partner visa applicants and international graduates.
Open work permits allow foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada without restriction to a specific employer or occupation. They are available in specific circumstances including for spouses of work permit holders, international graduates, and those on the temporary resident to permanent resident pathway.
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Requirements
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid identification
Proof of eligibility
Depends on category: spouse visa AOR, study permit, graduation letter, etc.
Passport photo
Recent photo if required
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Freedom to work for any employer
- No occupation restrictions
- Can change employers without approval
- Work experience counts toward PR
- Accessible to specific eligible groups
Considerations
- Only available in specific circumstances
- Higher cost than some other visas
- Eligibility requirements vary
- Processing can take 4-6 weeks
Application Process
Verify eligibility
Confirm you qualify for open work permit (spouse visa applicant, student, etc.)
Gather documents
Collect passport, identification, and eligibility documentation
Create account
Set up IRCC online account or use existing account
Complete application
Submit open work permit application
Upload documents
Include proof of eligibility, passport, and supporting documents
Pay fee
Pay CAD $155 work permit fee plus CAD $100 open work permit holder fee
Biometric appointment
Provide biometrics if requested
Receive decision
Open work permit approval in account
Application Forms
Application for an Open Work Permit
Ready to Apply?
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