Do You Need an Open or Employer-Specific Work Permit? Here's What Actually Matters

When it comes to Canadian work permits, the most common question people ask is: “Should I apply for an open or employer-specific permit?”

The truth is, most applicants don’t have the option to choose.The type of work permit you receive depends entirely on the program you're applying under and your personal eligibility. But understanding the differences between these two permit types is still important—because it affects your job flexibility, your long-term plans, and in many cases, your pathway to permanent residence.

🔒 Employer-Specific Work Permits: The Standard for Most Foreign Workers

Also known as "closed" work permits, these are issued to foreign workers who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

They include specific conditions such as:

• The name of the employer

• The location of work (in some cases)

• The duration of the job

  
  

To obtain this type of permit, your employer usually needs to:

• Get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or

• Be eligible for an LMIA-exempt stream (such as Intra-Company Transfer, Francophone Mobility, or certain PNPs)

This is the most common route for individuals applying from outside Canada.

Important: As of August 2024, visitors inside Canada are no longer allowed to apply for a work permit unless they meet very specific restoration or transitional criteria.

🔓 Open Work Permits: Available to a Limited Group

An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada and is not job-specific. However, not everyone can apply for one. In fact, open work permits are only issued under specific programs or conditions.

You may qualify for an open work permit if you are:

• A spouse of a skilled worker (TEER 0-1 and select TEER2–3) or international student (conditions apply)

• A recent graduate eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• Participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program

• Waiting for a decision on a permanent residence application (e.g., Bridging Open Work Permit)

• Protected person, refugee, or under humanitarian grounds

If you do not fall into one of these categories, you cannot apply for an open work permit.

🧭 So, What Does This Mean for You?

In most cases, the type of permit you can apply for is determined by your situation, not by preference. You can’t simply decide to apply for an open permit because it sounds more convenient or flexible.

Instead, ask yourself:

• Do I currently qualify under a program that allows for an open work permit?

• Do I have a valid job offer from an employer willing to support an LMIA (or eligible exemption)?

• Am I planning to apply for permanent residence, and how does my permit type support that goal?

  
  
  
  

✅ Examples

• You’re a graduate of a Canadian college or university → You may be eligible for PGWP (open)

• Your spouse has a valid work permit and works in a TEER 1 occupation → You may qualify for a spousal open work permit

• You have a job offer and your employer is ready to support an LMIA → You’ll apply for an employer-specific permit

  
  

Understanding your eligibility and planning accordingly is more important than trying to pick between permit types. Both open and employer-specific work permits have advantages, but they serve different purposes and are issued under very different conditions.

📌 Need help figuring out which work permit applies to your situation—or how it fits into your long-term immigration plan?

Book a consultation and let’s build your strategy based on facts, not assumptions.