Open Work Permit

International students and their spouses or partners may be eligible to work during their studies.

Yes, but only with a work permit.

If you are sponsoring your spouse or partner in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit when they apply for permanent residence.

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SCSAST) has recommended that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stop issuing closed work permits. These permits, which tie workers to a single employer, are criticized for increasing vulnerability to abuse and limiting workers' rights.

Details on how to apply to new Agri-Food Immigration Pilot will be available in early 2020, IRCC says

In the first quarter of 2025, Canada approved 834,010 temporary resident applications, including study permits, work permits, and visitor visas, according to new IRCC data. This surge highlights Canada’s global appeal but also reflects growing strain on the immigration system.

Today, Canada and the United Kingdom announced the signing of a new Canada-United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement.

A popular pilot program that allows certain spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to work while awaiting permanent resident status has been extended for another year.

Family reunification is a core pillar in Canada’s immigration strategy and a new measure by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to make it possible for more families to be together.

Eligible Post-Graduation Work Permit holders will be able to get an additional open work permit that can be valid for up to 18 months.

A fast-track visa processing pathway for Ukrainians is now accepting applications.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), an accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians fleeing war.

Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada for up to three years. Overseas applicants need to apply online for a visitor visa and provide their biometrics.
The Canadian government encourages CUAET applicants to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application. This will allow them to work in Canada for any employer.

Program aims to protect vulnerable foreign nationals by giving them legal immigration status in Canada

As of June 25, IRCC has updated the list of non-degree programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), aligning with 2025 labour market needs.

IRCC is advancing its Skills Missions initiative, a key component of the Strategic Immigration Review released in October 2023. The program aims to attract high-skilled workers to Canada to support its labour market and economy.

Canada is preparing to introduce a new language requirement for certain open work permit applicants under the International Mobility Program (IMP), with Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) expected to be among the affected streams. The proposal, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is still in development and has not yet been implemented.

If approved, applicants would need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French through language tests such as IELTS. Test results would need to meet specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels and be no more than two years old. While the exact requirements have not been finalized, the policy is expected to set a minimum of CLB 5 for general roles and CLB 7 for skilled positions.

IRCC says the proposed change is aimed at improving workforce integration, strengthening the integrity of the immigration system, and reducing the risk of fraud, including contract marriages.

A draft of the regulatory change is expected to be published in summer 2025, followed by a 30-day public consultation. If adopted, the new requirement could come into effect in 2026 or 2027.

While Spousal Open Work Permits are likely to be impacted, other IMP streams such as Bridging Open Work Permits, Intra-Company Transferees, and Free Trade Agreement professionals are expected to remain exempt.

IRCC has not yet confirmed the full scope of the policy or which applicants will be required to meet the new language standards. Further details are expected following consultations throughout 2025.

A recent study by Jobseeker has named Canada as the number one destination for individuals seeking work abroad. Canada was the most popular choice among job seekers from various countries, including Costa Rica, Germany, India, Japan, and Mexico, with Australia, Switzerland, and the United States following closely behind.

Canadian food services employers will be able to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the TFWP, and other changes coming for temporary foreign workers.

Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and dynamic workforce by setting a clear goal: ensuring that immigrants and refugees make up at least one-quarter of the national labour force.

Starting September 26, Canada will stop processing Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in some metropolitan areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

Canada has announced a major plan to recruit more than 1,000 leading researchers from outside the country.

Effective March 1, 2023, new measures will make it easier for Iranians already in Canada to extend their temporary stay and move between temporary streams.