Canada welcomes thousands of foreign nationals every year through its temporary work permit programs. These permits allow foreign workers to contribute to the Canadian economy while gaining valuable experience. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a Closed Work Permit, an Open Work Permit, or a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
A Closed Work Permit, also known as an Employer-Specific Work Permit, allows you to work only for the employer listed on the permit, under specific conditions.
Employer-specific (named on the permit)
Job-specific (title, duties, location, hours)
Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
LMIA-based job offers under Express Entry
Employer-driven PNP streams
Valid job offer
LMIA approval letter (unless exempt)
Employment contract
IMM 1295 form
Proof of qualifications
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA or a specific job offer. It’s ideal for individuals with broader eligibility under specific immigration categories.
International graduates with a PGWP
Spouses of skilled workers or international students
Permanent residence applicants under certain streams
Vulnerable workers or those under humanitarian grounds
No job offer required
Freedom to change employers
Can work in most industries
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Spousal Open Work Permit
International Mobility Program (IMP) participants
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets eligible applicants continue working in Canada while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence (PR) application.
You applied for PR under one of the following:
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Agri-Food Pilot
Your current work permit is expiring within 4 months
You are currently in Canada
Open work permit (work for any employer)
Valid for up to 1 year
Bridges the gap between temporary and permanent status
Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC
Copy of expiring work permit
IMM 5710 form
Fee: $255 CAD
Create or log into your IRCC account
Complete relevant forms (e.g., IMM 1295 or IMM 5710)
Upload supporting documents (job offer, passport, letter of explanation)
Pay application fees
Provide biometrics
Wait for processing
Varies by country and permit type: typically 2–12 weeks
Some individuals may not qualify for a work permit due to:
Criminal inadmissibility
Medical issues
Misrepresentation
Failure to comply with previous visa conditions
Always maintain valid status. Unauthorized work can affect future immigration applications.
Start your journey with April In The Rockies Immigration — your future in Canada begins here. Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward permanent residence with expert guidance every step of the way.
