How to Switch from a Closed Work Permit to Open Work Permit in Canada: A Complete Guide

Switching from a closed work permit to an open work permit in Canada can unlock new job opportunities, offering flexibility to work for any employer without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Whether you’ve lost your job, face workplace challenges, or seek career freedom, this guide provides a step-by-step process, updated 2025 processing times, and expert insights from licensed immigration consultants to ensure a smooth transition. 

What Is a Closed Work Permit?

A closed work permit, also known as an employer-specific work permit, is a permit that restricts a foreign worker to work for a single employer, in a specific role, and at a designated location in Canada. 

Issued under programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), it requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to confirm no Canadian worker is available for the job. For example, if you lose your job, you cannot legally work for another employer until a new permit is approved.

Limitations of a Closed Work Permit

While a closed work permit is known to be easy access for foreigners, it restricts workers in several ways:

• Employer Restriction: You can only work for the employer named on your permit.
• Job-Specific: Your role and duties are fixed, preventing changes without IRCC approval.
• Location-Bound: You must work at the specified location, often requiring a new permit to change provinces.
• Job Loss Impact: If you lose your job, you cannot legally work for another employer until a new permit is approved, though you may stay in Canada as a visitor until your permit expires.

These limitations can feel restrictive, especially if your employment situation changes unexpectedly or you face workplace issues.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada (except those non-compliant with IRCC regulations) without needing an LMIA. This flexibility lets you pursue new job opportunities, change industries, relocate across provinces, or maintain status while awaiting permanent residency. Open work permits are often issued under programs like Spousal Sponsorship, Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), or for vulnerable workers.

Flexibility and Career Opportunities

With an open work permit, you can:

• Explore diverse roles, from healthcare to technology, without job-specific restrictions.
• Switch employers freely, ensuring better working conditions or pay.
• Maintain legal work status during transitions, such as applying for permanent residency through Express Entry.

Eligibility Pathways for an Open Work Permit

Several pathways allow you to transition from a closed work permit to an open work permit:

• Spousal Sponsorship: If your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or holds a valid work/study permit, you may qualify for a spousal open work permit. As of January 21, 2025, spouses of workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations or select TEER 2-3 roles (e.g., healthcare, construction) are eligible, provided the worker’s permit is valid for at least 16 months.
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): If you’ve applied for permanent residency (e.g., via Express Entry) and your closed work permit is expiring, a BOWP lets you work while awaiting a decision.
• International Mobility Program (IMP): Certain IMP categories, like intra-company transfers, offer open work permits without an LMIA.
• Vulnerable Workers: If you’re experiencing or at risk of abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, or financial), you can apply for an open work permit under section 207.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
• Temporary Public Policy (May 27, 2025): If you’re in Canada with a valid status and have applied for a new work permit, you can request an exemption to start working for a new employer before approval. Expect confirmation within 10-15 days.

Also Read: Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Open Work Permit

Follow these steps to switch from a closed to an open work permit, ensuring compliance with IRCC requirements:

1. Verify Eligibility

Review IRCC’s eligibility criteria for your chosen pathway. For example, spousal sponsorship requires proof of a relationship, while vulnerable worker permits need evidence of abuse, such as a police report. Visit IRCC’s website for detailed requirements specific to each program.

1. Gather Documents

Collect essential documents, including:

• A copy of your current closed work permit and passport.
• Proof of eligibility (e.g., marriage certificate for spousal sponsorship, Acknowledgment of Receipt for BOWP).
• For vulnerable workers, a letter explaining the abuse, supported by evidence like medical records or support organization reports.

3. Complete the Application

Use the IRCC’s Application for Work Permit (IMM 1295) form, available online. 

Select the open work permit option and include all required documents. 

For the temporary public policy, submit a web form with the text: “I am requesting consideration under the Temporary Public Policy to Exempt Certain Visitors in Canada.”

4. Pay Fees and Submit 

Most open work permits require a CAD $255 fee ($155 processing + $100 open work permit holder fee), though vulnerable worker permits are fee-exempt. 

Biometrics ($85) may apply if not previously submitted.

Apply online via the IRCC portal for faster processing. Paper applications may take an additional 3-4 months due to mailing.

5. Track Your Application Status 

Monitor your application via your IRCC online account. If approved, you’ll receive a note in your account or a letter by mail, allowing you to start working. Physical permits arrive within 6 weeks of approval.

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Processing Times for Open Work Permits in 2025

Processing times vary by pathway and application method, based on IRCC’s August 2025 data:

• Applications Inside Canada: Online extensions average 128 days. Paper applications may take 6-9 months.
• Applications Outside Canada: Processing averages 105 days, ranging from 3 weeks (e.g., Algeria) to 30 weeks (e.g., South Africa).
• Vulnerable Worker Permits: Prioritized within 5-10 business days due to urgency.
• Temporary Public Policy Exemptions: Interim work authorization confirmations take 10-15 business days.

Since incomplete applications or missing biometrics can delay processing by 3-4 months, we recommend booking your biometrics appointment immediately to avoid delays. 

Handling Job Loss on a Closed Work Permit

If you lose your job while you are on a closed work permit, here are a few things you need to do:

• Notify IRCC: Update your employment status via the IRCC online portal to maintain transparency.
• Remain as a Visitor: You can stay in Canada as a visitor until your permit expires, giving you time to find a new job or apply for an open work permit.
• New Closed Work Permit: If you find a new employer, they must secure an LMIA (processing time: varies by stream, e.g., 2 weeks for Global Skills Strategy). Submit a new work permit application.
• Apply for Other Status: Consider a study permit, visitor visa, or permanent residency if eligible.

If you are in a stressful situation where you are confused about what to do next, consult with an RCIC-approved immigration consultant for a clear solution! 

Protections for Vulnerable Workers

If you’re experiencing abuse (e.g., withheld wages, unsafe conditions, or threats), Canada’s open work permit for vulnerable workers offers a lifeline. You must:

• Be in Canada with a valid closed work permit or maintained status.
• Provide evidence of abuse (e.g., reports from support organizations, medical professionals, or law enforcement).
• Submit a letter explaining the abuse or risk.

These permits are valid for 12 months, allowing time to find safe employment. IRCC prioritizes these applications, contacting applicants within 5 business days.

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Maintaining Your Immigration Status

To stay legal in Canada, you must:

Apply Before Permit Expiry

Submit your application at least 30 days before your closed work permit expires to maintain status, allowing you to work for the same employer until a decision is made.

Restore Status After Expiry

If your permit expires, apply to restore your status within 90 days, including a new work permit application. An RCIC can streamline this process to avoid complications.

Monitor IRCC Policy Updates

Temporary public policy may change without notice. Regularly check IRCC’s website or consult an RCIC to stay informed.