Eligibility Quiz
Are you 18 years or older?
Requirements
Eligibility for an OWP is not universal; you must fall into one of several specific categories. You cannot simply apply for an OWP without meeting one of the following criteria:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders: You must have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If you graduated from a college program, your field of study must now align with specific labor shortage requirements. You must also meet minimum language standards (CLB 7 for university graduates; CLB 5 for college graduates).
- Spouses and Common-law Partners:
- Of International Students: You only qualify if your partner is enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program (e.g., Medicine, Law). Spouses of undergraduate or most college students are generally no longer eligible.
- Of Skilled Workers: You qualify if your partner works in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation and holds a work permit valid for at least six months.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): If you have already applied for Permanent Residency (PR) and your current work permit is set to expire within four months, you may qualify to keep working while your PR application is processed.
- International Experience Canada (IEC): Available to youth (ages 18–30 or 35, depending on nationality) from countries with reciprocal agreements under the "Working Holiday" category.
- TR to PR Pathway Applicants: If you applied under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident pathway, you may apply for or extend an OWP until December 31, 2026.
- Vulnerable Workers: If you are currently on an employer-specific permit and are experiencing abuse or the risk of abuse in your workplace, you may apply for an OWP to leave that employer.
- Destitute Students: If you are a student who can no longer afford tuition or living costs due to circumstances beyond your control (such as war or civil unrest in your home country).
Conditions & Warnings
Spousal eligibility is strictly limited to partners of students in master's, doctoral, or specific professional programs (medicine, law) as of 2025.
College graduates applying for a PGWP must now ensure their field of study is linked to specific labor shortages to qualify.
Leaving Canada while on 'Maintained Status' (implied status) will result in the loss of your right to work until the new permit is issued.
Qualifications
CLB 7 for university graduates or CLB 5 for college graduates (required for PGWP sub-category)
Fees
Includes $155 processing fee and $100 OWP holder fee. Biometrics ($85) and restoration ($229) are extra.