With 2025 here, Canada has brought in new rules that reshape how Open Work Permits (OWPs) are granted. While the OWP remains a valuable route for many international workers and their families, new restrictions mean not everyone qualifies like they used to.
If you’re considering working in Canada without a job offer, you’ll want to know exactly what’s changed and who still qualifies.
Here’s everything you need to know about Canada’s Open Work Permit system for 2025.
What’s New
In response to labour market needs and concerns around immigration system integrity, the Canadian government has tightened OWP eligibility for certain groups.
Here’s what’s different this year:
- Higher-skilled occupation requirement for spouses of foreign workers
- Graduate-level program requirement for spouses of international students
- Dependent children are no longer eligible under the family stream
- More emphasis on targeted labour needs and streamlined criteria
In previous years, OWPs were widely available to family members of most foreign workers and students. Now, a narrower, more defined list applies, meaning fewer people qualify under family-based streams.
Who Can Apply
Despite the new restrictions, many people can still access an Open Work Permit in 2025. Below are the key groups still eligible:
- International graduates with a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Spouses of high-skilled foreign workers in designated occupations
- Spouses of graduate-level international students
- Applicants awaiting permanent residence under specific immigration streams
- Refugees and protected persons
- Some temporary resident permit holders
- International Experience Canada (IEC) participants, such as working holiday visa holders
So, while family eligibility has narrowed, pathways for skilled workers, students, and special cases remain intact.
How To Apply
If you’re eligible, applying for an Open Work Permit in 2025 is done entirely online through the IRCC portal. Here’s a step-by-step summary:
- Create an account on the IRCC online services portal
- Complete the application forms that match your eligibility category
- Upload supporting documents such as proof of relationship, study enrollment, or valid status in Canada
- Pay the required fees, which remain at CAD 255 per applicant (CAD 100 for the open work permit holder fee and CAD 155 for the permit itself)
- Wait for processing, which typically takes 6 to 10 weeks
Applying early is key—especially if your current status is about to expire or you’re switching from student to worker status.
Changes Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of who could apply before and what’s changed in 2025:
| Category | Before 2025 | After 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Spouses of TFWs | Most categories allowed | Only high-skilled job holders |
| Spouses of international students | All levels | Only graduate-level programs |
| Dependent children | Eligible under family stream | No longer eligible |
| International grads (PGWP) | Eligible | Still eligible |
| Permanent residence applicants | Eligible | Still eligible |
| Refugees, TRP holders, IEC workers | Eligible | Still eligible |
Why It Matters
The Canada Open Work Permit remains one of the most flexible ways to live and work in the country. For skilled workers and their partners, it offers a chance to build a life in Canada without being tied to one employer.
For international graduates, it’s a key route to gain Canadian work experience—and potentially move toward permanent residency.
That said, the tightened rules mean you need to be more strategic in how and when you apply. Whether you’re planning a move as a worker, student, or partner, checking the latest eligibility criteria is essential.
FAQs
Can spouses of students still get an OWP?
Only if the student is in a graduate program like a master’s or PhD.
Is an OWP tied to one employer?
No, an Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
How much does an OWP cost in 2025?
The total cost is CAD 255 per applicant.
Can dependent children get an OWP?
Not under the 2025 rules—they are no longer eligible.
How long does OWP processing take?
Usually between 6 to 10 weeks depending on application volume.
