Open Work Permit

Internationals students may also get Open work permits on completion of their study in Canada through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

The holder of an open work permit can work for any employer across Canada. An open work permit is not job-specific, however, the holder of an open work permit is not allowed to work in certain areas as detailed on their work permit.

The holder of an open work permit can work for any employer across Canada. An open work permit is not job-specific, however, the holder of an open work permit is not allowed to work in certain areas as detailed on their work permit.

• Spouses or common-law partners of skilled temporary foreign workers;
• Spouses or common-law partners of foreign students;
• Spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominees, irrespective of their skill level;
• International students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution.

To be eligible for an open work permit, graduating international students must meet the requirements under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

To be eligible for an open work permit, the spouse or common-law partner of a temporary foreign worker must meet the following:

• The principal temporary foreign worker has an employment in Canada that is at a managerial; professional level, or a technical / skilled tradesperson. Basically, the employment of the principal temporary foreign worker must be at a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill level 0, A or B. The skill level is not relevant to principal temporary foreign workers who have been nominated for permanent residence by a province (provincial nominees).
• The principal temporary foreign worker is permitted to work in Canada for a period of at least six months.

To be eligible for an Open Work Permit, the spouse or common-law partner of an international student must demonstrate that:

• The International student is studying full-time at for a degree/diploma/certificate at a publicly-funded post-secondary educational facility; or
• The international student has graduated; is holding a valid work permit & is working in a skilled occupation (NOC Skill level 0, A or B) .

Open work permit issued to spouses and common-law partners, are generally issued with a validity date that coincides with validity of their spouse’s work or study permit.

Open work permits are also available to candidates for the International Experience Canada program.