Open vs Closed Work Permit — Which Do You Have?
Canadian work permits split into two big buckets — "open" (work for any employer) and "closed" (work for a specific employer only). The distinction affects flexibility, switching employers, family-of-worker rights, and dual-intent considerations for PR.
Quick comparison
| Factor | Open Work Permit | Closed Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Employer flexibility | Any Canadian employer | One specific named employer |
| Need new permit to switch employer | No | Yes — new LMIA / LMIA exemption + new permit |
| Multiple jobs simultaneously | Yes | Generally one employer at a time |
| Examples | PGWP, SOWP, BOWP, IEC | LMIA-based, ICT, GTS (closed), CUSMA, C11 owner-operator |
| Typical issuance | Based on relationship (PGWP from study, SOWP from spousal status, BOWP from PR application) | Based on employer-specific job offer |
Open work permit categories
- PGWP — Post-Graduation Work Permit: for graduates of eligible Canadian DLI programs. 8 months to 3 years.
- SOWP — Spousal Open Work Permit (C41): for spouses of work permit holders (TEER 0/1/2/3) + eligible study permit holders (master's, doctoral, specific professional programs since March 2024).
- BOWP — Bridging Open Work Permit (C20): for PR applicants whose work permits are expiring while PR processes. Up to 24 months.
- IEC — International Experience Canada: for citizens of countries with IEC agreements (35+ countries; India / Pakistan / Philippines / China NOT on the list).
- Vulnerable Workers OWP: for foreign workers experiencing abuse from their employer.
- Inland Spousal Sponsorship OWP: for inland spousal-sponsorship applicants during PR processing.
Closed work permit categories
- LMIA-based work permit: standard category for foreign workers with a Canadian employer holding an approved LMIA. Closed to that specific employer.
- ICT (C12): intra-company transfer. Closed to the Canadian branch of the multinational.
- GTS: Global Talent Stream. Technically employer-specific (closed) but fast-tracked.
- CUSMA Professional: for US / Mexican citizens. Employer-specific.
- C11 Owner-Operator: tied to the Canadian business the foreign national owns.
- C16 Significant Benefit: discretionary LMIA-exempt; typically tied to a specific role.
When the open vs closed distinction matters most
- Switching employers: open permits allow free switching; closed permits require new authorization
- Multiple jobs: open permits allow it; closed permits typically don't
- Vulnerability protection: open work permits give you the ability to leave an abusive employer immediately
- Side businesses: open permits allow side employment; closed permits don't (without additional authorization)
- PR transition timing: BOWP (open) keeps you working between work permit expiry and PR landing
FAQ
Can I switch employers on an open work permit?
Yes — open work permits let you work for any Canadian employer in (most) occupations without re-applying. This is the major advantage over closed work permits, which require you to apply for a new permit when switching employers.
Can I switch from closed to open work permit?
Possible in some cases. The most common pathway: apply for the SOWP (if your spouse holds a qualifying permit), BOWP (if you have a PR application in process), or PGWP (if you've graduated from an eligible DLI). Otherwise, you'd need to qualify under a separate open work permit category. We assess case-by-case.
If I'm on a closed work permit and my employer fires me, what happens?
Your work authorization ends when employment ends. You typically have limited time to find new employment (often around 90 days, with restoration of status options). Critical: don't work for a different employer until you have new work authorization. Bridging options exist for some — open work permits in vulnerable-worker situations apply if you've experienced employer abuse.
Are open work permits eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
Yes — Canadian work experience under any open work permit (PGWP, SOWP, BOWP, IEC) counts as Canadian work experience for Express Entry CEC + category-based draws, provided the work was in a TEER 0/1/2/3 occupation.
Can I be on more than one work permit at once?
Generally no — IRCC issues one work permit at a time. But you can hold a permit that gives you flexibility (open) and work for multiple employers / take multiple part-time positions simultaneously. The permit type, not the number of permits, controls what you can do.
Which work permit category fits your situation?
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) maps your situation to the right work permit category. Free 15-min review.
Free Work Permit Review →Related: Work permit (general) · LMIA vs LMIA-exempt · Open work permit glossary · PGWP