Open Work Permit (Bridging/Spousal)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 4-12 weeks
- Fee
- CAD $255 (work permit $155 + open work permit holder fee $100)
- Validity
- Varies by category, typically 1-2 years
- Entry
- Single entry
Open work permits allow holder to work for any employer in Canada. Available to: spouses of skilled workers/international students (TEER 0-3 only as of Jan 21, 2025), bridging open work permit holders awaiting PR decision, vulnerable workers, and certain other categories. Dependent children no longer eligible as of January 21, 2025.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must fall into an eligible category: spouse of skilled worker (TEER 0-3), spouse of international student at university/polytechnic, bridging OWP applicant with pending PR application, or other specific categories.
-
Visa history
For bridging OWP: must have submitted a complete permanent residence application and current work permit must be expiring within 4 months.
Required history: Valid work or study permit, or pending PR application
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: IMM 1295 - Application for Work Permit (Open); Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/open-work-permit-spouses-dependent-children.html
-
Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 2; Relationship type: Spouse or common-law partner of principal work/study permit holder
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather proof of relationship (for spousal OWP), proof of principal applicant's valid permit, or proof of pending PR application (for bridging OWP).
-
Online application
Apply online through IRCC portal with supporting documents.
-
Fee payment
Pay CAD $255 (work permit $155 + open work permit holder fee $100).
-
Processing wait
Wait for processing. Times vary by application type and location.