As of October 2025, Canada still makes Open Work Permits available to eligible candidates, which continue to act as key pillars of flexible immigration policies in Canada. To work for almost any employer, candidates still do not have to receive a job offer. Some of the recent policy changes and clarifications have shaped qualifications, streamlined the application procedure, and the key documents which have to accompany the application. For persons considering starting or continuing their work in Canada this year, having this knowledge is important.
What is the Open Work Permit?
Unlike other kinds of work permits, the Canada Open Work Permit (OWP) is not employer specific, which means OWP holders can work for any qualified Canadian employer and does not need to have a specific job contract. Canadian employers do not have to complete a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for them to be issued Open Work Permits. With the recent changes to policy, effective January 21, 2025, even more specific criteria have been placed for the spouses of persons, students and dependants in Canada.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtaining an OWP for October 2025 involves the following digital application process:
- Determining if there has been an increase in applicant numbers for the given category.
- Fill out the correct application form: IMM 5710 if you’re applying while in Canada and IMM 1295 if you’re applying from outside Canada.
- Upload your application on the IRCC portal, pay the required fees (which is CAD 255 at the moment), and provide the necessary supporting documents.
- If needed, attend a biometric appointment and wait for processing updates, which will be provided through a secured onlin account.
As of January 21, 2025, there will be new changes surrounding eligibility requirements. Spouses of high-skilled temporary foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, and selected 2 and 3, as well as Spouses of International students in the Master’s, Ph.D. and professional programs will be eligible, provided that the main applicant’s permit is a minimum of 16 months. Unlike before, dependent children will no longer be eligible for OWP. Relationship proof, enrollment proof, and status verification will be required from all applicants.
Documentation Requirements
To ensure smooth progress in processing, all applicants should hold onto the following:
- A passport and a few passport-sized photos
- A completed application form, either IMM 5710 or IMM 1295
- A marriage certificate or domestic partnership certificate (only if applying with a spouse)
- Documentation that confirms the principal applicant’s job (work permit, job letter, or enrollment confirmation)
- Payment confirmation for Open Work Permit and work permit fees
- Biometrics receipt, if you have one
Submission Tips and Timelines
To ensure that there is no gap in employment, it is best to submit the application 30 days in advance of the permit expiry date. Confirm that all information is correct in the documents, as incomplete submissions will lead to delays in processing. OWP extensions are available using simplified online steps in the new framework for applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who will receive an OWP in 2025?
Spouses of high-skilled workers and some international students, and children will not qualify due to recent policy changes.
Q2: Can forms be submitted from outside Canada?
You can submit the forms from outside Canada or from within Canada.
Q3: What are the fees?
The application and processing fees are CAD 255, which must be paid before submission.
