What is an Open Work Permit (OWP)?

An Open Work Permit (OWP) is a Canadian work permit that's not tied to a specific employer — you can work for any Canadian employer in (most) occupations. Contrasted with closed work permits which restrict you to one named employer.

Types of Open Work Permits

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — for graduates of eligible Canadian DLI programs. 8 months to 3 years.
• Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) — for spouses of certain temporary residents (work permit holders in TEER 0/1/2/3, eligible study permit holders). LMIA-exempt under code C41.
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — for PR applicants whose work permits are expiring while their PR processes. LMIA-exempt under code C20.
• International Experience Canada (IEC) — for young workers from participating countries (Canada has IEC agreements with 35+ countries — India is NOT currently on the list).
• Vulnerable Workers OWP — for foreign workers experiencing abuse from their employer
• Inland Spousal Sponsorship OWP — for inland spousal-sponsorship applicants

What "open" means

• Work for any Canadian employer (with rare exceptions)
• Work in any TEER 0/1/2/3 occupation in most cases (TEER 4/5 also allowed for many OWP types)
• Switch employers without applying for a new work permit
• Take on multiple part-time positions

Exceptions — where OWP is NOT fully "open"

• Healthcare occupations in eldercare, childcare, or healthcare settings — may require additional medical clearance
• Strip clubs / escort services — explicitly excluded from OWP authorization

OWP duration

Varies by OWP type:

• PGWP: 8 months to 3 years (matches program duration)
• SOWP: tied to spouse's underlying permit
• BOWP: 24 months or until PR decision (whichever is shorter)
• IEC: 1-2 years depending on country / program

OWP work experience for Express Entry

Work performed under any OWP type counts as Canadian work experience for Express Entry CEC — provided it's in a TEER 0/1/2/3 occupation. This is the foundation of the PGWP → CEC → PR pipeline.

Halani's note

OWPs are among the most flexible work authorizations Canada offers. PGWP is the most common entry-to-PR pathway for Halani's international student clients. SOWP is crucial for families coming together; BOWP keeps PR-pending applicants working legally. We map the right OWP category to each client's situation.