Canada’s Open Work Permit (OWP) remains one of the most flexible ways to work for any employer in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
In 2025, the government tightened some pathways—especially for spouses of students and workers—and clarified rules for graduates (PGWP) and permanent residence applicants (BOWP).
Below is a clear, up-to-date guide on who qualifies, what it costs, and how to apply.
What changed in 2025?
From January 21, 2025, family OWPs were restricted. Only spouses/partners of certain international students (master’s, PhD, and select professional programs) and spouses/partners of high-skilled or priority-sector foreign workers can qualify; dependent children are no longer eligible under this measure.
Some workers’ spouses must also show the worker has at least 16 months of authorized work remaining at the time of application.
For graduates, the PGWP still allows up to 3 years of open work (including a special 3-year PGWP for many master’s programs of at least 8 months—even if the program is under two years—if other criteria are met).
Additional eligibility updates rolled out in late 2024–2025.
Applicants waiting on permanent residence may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to keep working while their PR application is in process.
Who can get an Open Work Permit in 2025?
Common OWP pathways include:
- Spouses/common-law partners of certain international students and high-skilled workers (under new 2025 limits).
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for eligible graduates of designated learning institutions.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) for PR applicants who passed the completeness check and hold/maintain status.
- Select cases such as destitute students, vulnerable workers, and certain family members of PR applicants (each with extra criteria).
2025 fees
Expect to pay the Work Permit fee (CA$155) plus the Open Work Permit holder fee (CA$100); many applicants also owe biometrics (CA$85).
Quick comparison (2025)
| OWP Pathway | Core Eligibility (short) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family OWP (spouses/partners) | Spouse/partner of eligible international student (master’s, PhD, select professional) or of high-skilled/priority-sector worker; in many cases worker must have ≥16 months remaining | Dependent children not eligible under this measure from Jan 21, 2025; detailed TEER lists apply. |
| PGWP | Graduated from eligible program/school; program length and level determine permit length | Master’s grads may get 3 years even if program <2 years. |
| BOWP | In Canada, PR application submitted and acknowledged; valid/maintained/restorable status | Lets you keep working while PR is processed; pay both work-permit and OWP holder fees. |
| Other special cases | Destitute students, vulnerable workers, certain PR family members, etc. | Each has additional criteria to meet. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Confirm your pathway & eligibility. Check whether you fit Family OWP (spouse/partner), PGWP, BOWP, or another special category—and ensure you meet the 2025 rules (e.g., program type, TEER occupation level, remaining work-permit time).
- Create/Sign in to your IRCC account and start an online application to receive a personalised document checklist.
- Prepare documents (examples): passport, proof of relationship (marriage certificate/common-law declaration), program completion letter/transcript (PGWP), acknowledgement of receipt (BOWP), job/TEER proof for eligible worker spouses, and digital photo.
- Pay fees: CA$155 work-permit fee + CA$100 OWP holder fee, and biometrics (CA$85) if required.
- Give biometrics/medical exam if requested and submit online. Track status in your IRCC account.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your eligibility aligns with the 2025 family-OWP restrictions and the detailed TEER lists (for worker spouses).
- For PGWP, verify your program and school are PGWP-eligible and apply within the required timeframe.
- For BOWP, don’t apply until you have your PR Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and maintain or restore your status if needed.
Costs at a glance (2025)
- Work permit fee: CA$155
- Open Work Permit holder fee: CA$100
- Biometrics (if applicable): CA$85
- (Additional fees may apply depending on your situation.)
In 2025, Canada’s Open Work Permit landscape is stricter for family applicants and more clearly defined for graduates and PR applicants.
If you’re a spouse/partner of a qualifying student or worker, a new graduate on a PGWP, or waiting on permanent residence with a BOWP, you can still work without an LMIA—but you must prove you meet the specific, updated criteria, submit the right documents, and pay the correct fees.
Following the steps above—and double-checking the 2025 rules—can significantly improve your chances of approval.
FAQs
Can my children get an OWP in 2025 if my spouse works in Canada?
Under the January 21, 2025 changes, dependent children are no longer eligible for the family OWP measure; the focus is mainly on spouses/partners (with narrow exceptions under other programs).
I finished a one-year master’s program—can I still get a 3-year PGWP?
Yes, many master’s programs of at least 8 months can lead to a 3-year PGWP, if you meet all other criteria.
What if my work permit will expire while I wait for PR?
If you’ve submitted a complete PR application and have your AOR, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit to keep working while your PR file with IRCC is processed.