Open Work Permits vs Employer-Specific Work Permits: Which One Do You Have?

The type of work permit you hold in Canada matters more than most people realize until they are already in a situation where it makes a difference. Changing jobs, dealing with a layoff, deciding to freelance, or thinking about your path to PR are all situations where the distinction between an open work permit and a closed (employer-specific) work permit becomes very practical very quickly.

Here is a clear breakdown of what each type actually means.

The Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit

A closed work permit, also called an employer-specific work permit, authorizes you to work in Canada only for a specific employer. The permit will list the employer’s name, and it may also specify the job title, the work location, and the province where you are authorized to work.

If you have a closed work permit and you want to work for a different employer, you need a new work permit before you start that new job. Working for a different employer on a closed permit, even if it is casual or part-time work, is a violation of your permit conditions.

Most work permits issued through the LMIA process are employer-specific. They are tied to the specific job offer that supported the LMIA application.

The Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada. There is no employer listed on the permit (or the permit explicitly states that it is open). You can change jobs, work part-time for multiple employers, or take a role in a completely different field without needing a new permit.

Open work permits are issued in several specific circumstances. These include Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) issued to graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs, spousal or partner open work permits issued to the spouses of eligible workers or students, Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) issued to certain applicants with a PR application in progress, permits issued to certain refugee claimants and protected persons, and International Working Holiday Permit holders under youth mobility agreements.

How to Tell Which One You Have

Look at your work permit document. If it lists a specific employer name in the conditions, it is a closed permit. If it says open work permit in the conditions section or lists no employer restriction, it is an open permit.

You can also log into your IRCC account and view the conditions of your current permit in your document list. The conditions field will specify whether you are restricted to a single employer.

Restrictions That Apply Even to Open Work Permits

Open work permits are not entirely unlimited. There are certain sectors and job types where open work permit holders may face restrictions. The most notable is that open work permit holders generally cannot work in businesses that primarily provide sexual services. Certain health care positions where there are public health or safety considerations may also require additional regulatory authorization from a provincial body regardless of work permit type.

Open work permits also have an expiry date. You cannot continue working after your open work permit expires, even though there is no employer restriction. Managing your renewal timeline is just as important as for a closed permit.

Which Is Better?

Open work permits offer significantly more flexibility. If you have the option to obtain one, it generally gives you more control over your career and your response to unexpected situations like a job loss or a better opportunity.

However, closed permits are often the reality for workers who need employer support to come to Canada in the first place. The LMIA process and most employer-sponsored pathways result in closed permits tied to the sponsoring employer. Over time, many workers transition from a closed permit to an open permit through pathways like the PGWP, a spousal permit, or a BOWP as their situation evolves.

Frequently Asked Questions