Who is eligible for an open work permit in Canada?

Open work permits are limited to defined situations rather than being open to everyone. Common categories include international graduates eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or international students, and in-Canada sponsored spouses or partners.

Other eligible groups can include applicants for permanent residence in Canada and their dependants, refugee claimants and protected persons and their family members, holders of an employer-specific permit who are facing abuse, temporary resident permit holders, and certain others. Each category has its own additional criteria, so confirm which one fits your situation and what extra requirements apply.