The Canada Open Work Permit may still be seen as one of the most flexible immigration options of 2025; basically allowing foreign nationals to work for almost all employers in the country, yet without any job offer or LMIA.
There are no restrictions binding these workers to one employer, so they can easily switch jobs or industries, making this permit very attractive to those looking for mobility in the Canadian labor market. However, as of January 21, 2025, the eligibility criteria have seen significant changes.
New Rules Effective January 21, 2025
There is a change toward stricter measures, especially for family members of foreign workers and international students. Dependent children of foreign workers or students are no longer being issued open work permits, meaning their benefits have been limited. They have started defining eligibility for spouses or common-law partners more clearly.
Only those spouses of foreign workers are allowed to apply where the worker is employed in high-skill or in-demand occupations categorized under TEER 0 and 1, as well as certain types of TEER 2 and 3.
However, the worker must also hold a valid work permit with not less than sixteen months remaining for the spouse to be eligible. Similarly, if a spouse or partner of an international student wishes to apply, this is only permissible if the student is registered in advanced programs such as Master’s, Ph.D., or specific professional programs.
What Happens To All The Older Applications?
Those applications submitted before January 21, 2025, shall still be subjected to the old, more permissive criteria during processing, and any permits granted under those would be valid till their date of expiration.
New applicants, however, are urged to thoroughly study the new regime and ensure all criteria are met. The amendment acts as an acknowledgment of the broader Canadian balancing act of labor market considerations with immigration.”
How To Apply In 2025
In order for an applicant to apply for an open work permit in 2025, it would be necessary for the applicant to ensure that he or she is eligible under the new criteria. The applicant must then organize documents such as a passport valid for at least six months, proof of relationship with the spouse or common-law partner, proof of the spouse’s work or study permit, and program/job related proof of eligibility. The filing of an application must be done online through Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada with payment of fees as set out upon submission.
Processing time depends on the point of applications and whether all documents are in order. In Canada, applicants may be issued the permit immediately upon acceptance; outside Canada, the accepted applicant will be issued a letter of introduction which must then be presented at entry.
Also Read: $814.09 OAS Payment October 2025: Eligibility, Dates & Who Qualifies