(CANADA) Canada’s Open Work Permit rules changed on August 15, 2025, and those changes matter for many families and recent graduates. The Canada Open Work Permit still lets people work for almost any employer without a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), but access is now more selective. The biggest shift: family eligibility is tighter, and dependent children are excluded from family open work permits as of January 21, 2025. Spouses or common‑law partners can still qualify in defined situations, and Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders remain well‑supported. This guide walks you through the full journey: who qualifies now, the steps to apply, how long each stage may take, and what to expect from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Snapshot of Who Can Apply (August 2025)

Under the current rules, you may qualify for a Canada Open Work Permit if you’re in one of these groups:
- Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders and eligible graduates: Graduates of designated Canadian schools who qualify for the PGWP can seek open work permits, including extensions and bridging options tied to their study path.
- Spouses or common‑law partners of foreign workers in specified occupations: Eligibility is limited to certain roles set by IRCC. The 2025 framework references spouses covered under some free trade agreements and notes that certain TEER 4 or 5 roles may qualify under defined criteria. Later updates also stress eligibility for spouses of high‑skilled workers. Always check the exact rule that applies to the principal worker’s job and program.
- Spouses or common‑law partners of graduate‑level international students: Restricted to partners of students in approved graduate programs.
- Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and their family members: These groups remain eligible.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) participants: Youth in IEC categories continue to access open work permits.
- Family members of applicants in select permanent residence pathways: Some PR streams allow family members to apply for open work permits.
Important limits:
– Dependent children are not eligible for family open work permits (effective January 21, 2025).
– Family applicants must meet strict rules tied to the principal worker or student’s status, job, and timing.
What’s Different Now and Why It Matters
The government tightened access to better match open work permits with labour demand and program integrity. New family work permit limits took effect January 21, 2025. Authorities say this aligns the program with labour market needs while protecting the system from misuse.
- The policy continues to support youth mobility (IEC) and recent graduates (PGWP).
- A two‑year open work permit pilot for in‑demand roles in sectors like construction and healthcare aims to help fill shortages.
- Advocacy groups express concern about family impacts, especially since children can no longer obtain open work permission in the family stream.
VisaVerge.com analysis: applicants should plan early and prepare strong files because processing is lengthy and rules now leave less room for error.
End‑to‑End Journey: From Checking Eligibility to Working in Canada
This step‑by‑step guide breaks the process into clear stages, explains actions you must take, and notes what IRCC typically does at each point.
Stage 1: Confirm Your Category and Fit
What you do:
– Match yourself to one of the eligible groups above.
– If applying as a family member, confirm the principal worker or student’s situation meets 2025 rules. For family cases, the principal typically must:
– Hold a valid work permit for at least 6 months beyond your application date.
– Work in an eligible occupation or program (some TEER 4/5 roles or high‑skilled roles, depending on the rule).
– Where required, be on a pathway to permanent residence but not yet have applied.
What to expect from IRCC:
– IRCC will assess the specific category you claim. If you choose the wrong category, the file can face delay or refusal.
Estimated time:
– 1–2 days to review rules and gather evidence showing you fit the category.
Stage 2: Build Your Document Plan
What you do:
– Collect identity and status documents:
– Valid passport (covering your whole stay).
– Proof you’re legally in Canada if applying inside Canada.
– Prepare category‑related proof:
– For spouses or common‑law partners: marriage certificate or proof of common‑law status; documents showing your partner’s valid work permit, job, and duration.
– For PGWP‑linked applicants: graduation evidence, proof you qualify for the PGWP route.
– For IEC or refugee‑related cases: program or status proof as required.
– Check if you need a medical exam (for healthcare or roles with vulnerable people) and police certificate. If needed, plan early as these add time and cost.
What to expect from IRCC:
– IRCC may later request more evidence if anything is unclear.
Estimated time:
– 1–3 weeks depending on how quickly you can get relationship proof, employment letters, and any exam or police documents.
Stage 3: Prepare Your Online Application
What you do:
– Apply online through the preferred method: the IRCC online application portal
for faster handling where possible.
– Complete all fields truthfully and double‑check dates, names, and document uploads.
What to expect from IRCC:
– You’ll receive an online confirmation that your application was submitted.
– IRCC may message you asking for extra documents if something is missing.
Estimated time:
– 1–3 days to complete the forms and upload everything if documents are ready.
Official resource:
– For official program details and how to apply, see the Government of Canada page on open work permits: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/open-work-permit.html
Stage 4: Pay the Fees
What you do:
– Pay the two fees online:
1. Open work permit application fee: CAD 155
2. Open work permit holder fee: CAD 100
– Keep the receipt.
What to expect from IRCC:
– IRCC won’t begin full processing until fees are paid.
Estimated time:
– Same day.
Stage 5: Wait for Processing and Respond to Requests
What you do:
– Monitor your online account frequently.
– Answer any IRCC messages on time and upload requested documents promptly.
What to expect from IRCC:
– Processing timelines vary by location and workload:
– Inside Canada: about 128 days on average.
– Outside Canada: varies by country and volume.
– IRCC may ask for clarifications, updated letters, or proof of relationship.
Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
---|---|---|
Canada | Open Work Permit — Stage 1 (Confirm category and fit) | 1–2 days |
Canada | Open Work Permit — Stage 2 (Document preparation) | 1–3 weeks |
Canada | Open Work Permit — Stage 3 (Prepare online application) | 1–3 days |
Canada | Open Work Permit — Stage 4 (Pay the fees) | Same day |
Canada | Open Work Permit — Stage 5 (Processing — inside Canada) | about 128 days on average |
Canada | Open Work Permit — Stage 5 (Processing — outside Canada) | varies by country and volume |
Estimated time:
– Several months for most in‑Canada applicants; outside‑Canada timelines depend on your region.
Stage 6: Receive a Decision
What you do:
– If approved, review the approval notice and work permit conditions. Check your name, dates, and any listed conditions (for example, medical‑related job limits if you didn’t need an exam).
– If refused, read the reasons carefully and consider fixing the issues before applying again.
What to expect from IRCC:
– An approval notice and, when applicable, a physical or digital work permit tied to your case.
– Clear refusal reasons if the application is not approved.
Estimated time:
– Immediate upon decision release in your online account.
Stage 7: Start Working and Plan What Comes Next
What you do:
– Begin work with a Canadian employer. An open work permit means no job offer or LMIA is required.
– Keep your documents valid. Set reminders to renew your passport and to re‑apply for a new work permit if you plan to stay longer.
– If you’re a family applicant, ensure the principal worker or student continues to meet their program conditions.
What to expect from IRCC:
– IRCC expects you to follow permit conditions and to intend to leave Canada when your status ends unless you apply for an extension or for permanent residence under a program you qualify for.
Estimated time:
– Ongoing; start dates depend on your approval timing.
Special Focus: Spouses or Common‑Law Partners
The 2025 system treats partners carefully and requires tight proof:
- Relationship proof is essential: marriage certificate or documents showing a common‑law union.
- Your partner’s job or study path is central to your eligibility. Under the 2025 rules:
- Some spousal eligibility ties to workers in specific occupations, including certain TEER 4 or 5 roles when detailed criteria are met, and some workers covered by free trade agreements.
- Later updates emphasize eligibility for partners of high‑skilled workers and partners of graduate‑level students in approved programs.
- The principal worker must hold a valid work permit with at least 6 months remaining at the time you apply, and often must be on a path to permanent residence but not yet applied (where this rule applies).
What changed for families:
– Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits in the family stream as of January 21, 2025. Plan schooling and childcare with this in mind.
PGWP Pathway: How Graduates Fit In
If you finished an approved program at a Canadian school and qualify for a PGWP, you can often use open work permits to build Canadian work experience after graduation. In 2025:
- PGWP holders keep broad access to open work permits, including extensions and bridging linked to their graduation path.
- You still need a valid passport that covers your stay and to show intent to leave Canada unless you later apply for a new status.
- Keep your documents tidy—transcripts, completion letters, and any proof tied to your PGWP status.
Other Eligible Groups and Notes
- Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and their family members continue to be eligible for open work permits.
- IEC participants (youth programs) still benefit from open work options, supporting short‑term work and travel in Canada 🇨🇦.
- Some family members of applicants in select permanent residence streams can apply for open work permits, depending on stream rules and timing.
Timeline Planning and What to Expect
- Document prep: 1–3 weeks for most applicants (longer if you need medicals or police certificates).
- Filing and fees: 1–3 days if documents are ready.
- Processing:
- Inside Canada: about 128 days on average.
- Outside Canada: varies by country and season.
Delays often stem from:
– Missing relationship proof for spouses or common‑law partners.
– Expired passports.
– Unclear job letters for the principal worker.
Costs and Budgeting
- Fees total CAD 255 per applicant (CAD 155 application fee + CAD 100 open work permit holder fee).
- Medical exams and police certificates, when needed, add cost and time. Book early if you plan to work in healthcare or with vulnerable people.
Practical Tips to Reduce Risk
- Double‑check your category. If filing as a spouse or common‑law partner, confirm the principal worker’s occupation and permit length fit the 2025 rules.
- Upload complete, readable documents. Relationship proof should be clear and consistent.
- If IRCC requests more information, respond before the deadline with a complete, organized package.
- Keep your passport valid beyond your planned work permit end date.
VisaVerge.com reports that early filing helps, especially for those in Canada who face months‑long processing. Submitting a complete file the first time is one of the simplest ways to avoid setbacks.
Important: The family eligibility changes and the removal of dependent children from the family open work permit stream took effect January 21, 2025. Plan accordingly and confirm the principal worker’s status before you apply.
Policy Context: Why the Rules Shifted in 2025
Authorities moved toward a more targeted system that supports the economy while protecting program integrity. Key points:
- January 21, 2025: new limits on family open work permits — partner eligibility is focused and dependent children removed from the family stream.
- Continued commitment to PGWP and IEC youth mobility.
- A two‑year pilot for open work permits in fields such as healthcare and construction to meet labour shortages.
The direction links work permission to real job needs while keeping essential humanitarian and youth programs open. Employers in shortage areas welcomed pilot pathways; families voiced concerns about the reduced options for children.
If You’re Refused
- Read the refusal letter closely. Common reasons include:
- Picking the wrong category.
- Weak relationship proof.
- Missing evidence about the principal worker’s job and permit period.
- You can fix the gaps and apply again. Make sure your next application addresses each refusal point directly and includes the documents IRCC requested.
After Approval: Your First Weeks on the Job
- Confirm your permit details—dates, conditions, and any limits based on medical requirements.
- Share your permit with your employer for their records.
- Track expiry dates and plan any extension early.
- You must intend to leave Canada when your status ends unless you apply for a new status or for permanent residence under a program you qualify for.
Staying Informed
Open work permit rules may change with job market data. Watch for updates on pilots and any future adjustments to spousal eligibility. IRCC’s official website provides the newest instructions, fees, and checklists—always rely on the official source linked above before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada’s August 15, 2025 open work permit changes narrow family access while protecting PGWP and IEC pathways. Dependent children lost eligibility January 21, 2025, so partners must verify principal worker occupation, six‑month permit requirement, and gather strong relationship and employment evidence before applying to avoid delays.