Open Work Permit in Canada - Spousal (SOWP) and Bridging (BOWP)
An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer or LMIA. It is available only in specific situations - for some spouses of workers and students, and for permanent residence applicants waiting for a decision. We check whether you qualify and prepare the application. Our fee is CAD 300, IRCC fees are paid separately.
Not sure you qualify for an open work permit? Write to us - we will check your situation.
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What we do for your open work permit
Since January 21, 2025, IRCC has narrowed who can get a spousal open work permit. It now depends on the exact occupation of the worker or the program of the student, and dependent children of workers no longer qualify under this measure.
The bridging permit has its own conditions tied to your PR application. So the first step is always the same - we check which category, if any, fits you.
We check the worker's occupation and TEER category, the student's program, or the stage of your PR application, and the status of the person applying.
We prepare proof of marriage or common-law partnership, the principal's work or study permit, and proof of enrolment or employment.
We fill out the work permit application, answer the IRCC questionnaire the right way for your category and check the document checklist.
We explain IRCC letters and help with requests for documents. If your status is expiring, we plan the timing so you stay legal.
Who can get an open work permit
The most common categories are below. Other groups, such as PGWP holders and some vulnerable workers, have their own rules.
Main categories
The worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 job, or one of the selected TEER 2 or 3 occupations, and their permit is valid for at least 16 more months when the spouse applies. Other rules apply if the worker is on a pathway to PR.
The student is in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, an eligible professional degree such as medicine, law, engineering or nursing, or a listed program.
A spouse or partner sponsored from inside Canada can apply after IRCC confirms the PR application is complete. See spousal sponsorship.
For a principal applicant in Express Entry, PNP and some other programs whose work permit is expiring, after the PR application has passed the completeness check.
How the open work permit application works
IRCC processing times change regularly, current ones are on the IRCC processing times page. The official rules are on the IRCC open work permit page.
Most open work permits are applied for from inside Canada. If you are in Canada, you need valid status, maintained status after applying to extend on time, or eligibility for restoration.
Common reasons open work permits are refused
Problems usually come from the rules that changed in 2025 and from timing. This is what we check before you apply.
Finished your studies in Canada? You may need a post-graduation work permit instead.
Want to apply for an open work permit without surprises?
Discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer.
ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers. For almost 20 years we have supported clients in immigration matters and assisted with complex visa applications. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border control procedures.
A team of lawyers will work on your case
Open work permit cost
Our fee is CAD 300 per application. You pay IRCC fees directly. Prices for other services are on our prices page, permanent residence options are on the Express Entry page.
IRCC fees are paid separately
| Work permit processing fee | 155 CAD |
| Open work permit holder fee | 100 CAD |
| Biometrics, if IRCC asks for them (per person / family maximum) | 85 / 170 CAD |
* According to IRCC, checked in November 2026. Fees change, we check them again before you apply.
Why our services are not expenses, but an investment
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