Open work permits

There are 2 types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

You can get an open work permit in certain situations.

What is an open work permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except those who

are on the non-compliant list, or
regularly offer striptease, erotic dance or escort services, or erotic massages

You don’t need a job offer to apply for an open work permit. Open work permits aren’t job-specific, so if you have one, your employer doesn’t need to

apply for a labour market impact assessment
submit an offer of employment
pay the employer compliance fee

Who can apply

Most people applying from outside Canada can’t get an open work permit. Most open work permit applicants must apply in Canada.

You can apply for an open work permit only under specific situations.

Students, graduates and youth

Spouses and dependent children

Vulnerable people

Other open work permit applicants

Restrictions on your open work permit

You may have restrictions listed on your open work permit related to the following:

what type of work you can do
- Example: You may need a medical exam to work in some jobs.
- Find out how to remove the medical conditions from your work permit.
where you can work
- Example: If you have an open work permit under the provincial nominee class, you may be able to work only in a specific province.
- Find out if you can work at a different location from the one listed on your open work permit.