Spouse of a Student
If your spouse is studying at an eligible Canadian institution full-time, you may be eligible for an OWP and work full-time.
Open Work Permit in Canada
You can work for any employer in Canada. We’ll check your eligibility and paperwork so you know exactly what to expect before you apply.
What is an Open Work Permit (OWP)
A temporary permit that authorizes legal work in Canada without needing a job offer. It’s common for spouses of students or workers, and also for recent graduates from eligible institutions. With this permit, you can work for almost any employer in the country.
Types of Open Work Permits
See below the main options to qualify for an open work permit in Canada.
Spouse of a Worker
If your spouse holds a qualifying job in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.
PGWP
Allows graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to work in Canada after completing their program, for up to 3 years depending on program length.
Bridging OWP
For applicants who have already applied for permanent residence and wish to keep working legally while waiting for a decision.
Vulnerable Worker OWP
For temporary workers facing abuse in the workplace who need to leave their current employer to protect themselves.
IEC Working Holiday
Open work permit for youth from countries with agreements with Canada, usually through a lottery or annual quotas.
Improve your chances of approval!
IRCC criteria are demanding, but a well-prepared application makes all the difference for a positive result.
General Approval Rate
0 %
In 2025 IRCC became stricter and the overall approval rate has been declining.
Our Approval Rate
0 %
With our support, our clients’ approval rate is much higher than the general average.
Open Work Permit Process
If you are eligible, we follow these steps to apply for your open work permit. If you are not sure, book a consultation to review your case.
1
Assessment
We confirm the correct category and the criteria to qualify for your permit.
2
Checklist
We send a simplified list of the documents required for your application.
3
Form Filling
We review the documents you provided and complete the forms.
4
Review
All documents and forms are checked.
5
Submission
We assemble and submit the full application.
6
Decision
We monitor the process until the decision is received.
Before and After Working With Us
Before
- Unsure how to apply
- Confusing timelines
- Risk of refusal due to missing documents
- Conflicting information on the internet
- Uncertainty about applying
After
- Path confirmed
- Clear checklist
- Consistent application
- Clear and reliable guidance
- More confidence in decisions
Questions before booking? Contact us.
What our clients are saying
Amy Rodriguez
★★★★★
I’m from Mexico, and I received assistance with my work permit and study permit. She was always very responsive and answered every question clearly. The process was fast and handled with great professionalism. I highly recommend her services!
Victor Garcia
★★★★★
I recently had the pleasure of working with Up Immigration Consulting, and I must say, my experience was nothing short of exceptional. I recommend Up Immigration Consulting to anyone in need of immigration services.
Paul Allan Alvarenga
★★★★★
Personalized, friendly and competent service. They helped my son promptly after other agencies didn’t want to take the urgent, low-cost case. Rating 11/10 — highly recommend!
Diego Mendonça
★★★★★
Larissa was the one who mainly took care of my file, reassured me, and showed me a way forward. She was highly efficient and understood my situation remarkably well. I highly recommend the team.
Emma Garcia
★★★★★
I had a great experience with Up Immigration Consulting. They helped me clarify doubts and guided me on the path I needed to follow to succeed. I really appreciate them.
Jovan Tomanovic
★★★★★
Larissa was perfect — we had to finish our visa extension in two days, and she made it possible!
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in any field with an OWP?
Yes, except for specific restrictions printed on the document.
Can I study with an OWP?
Short courses are generally allowed; for regular academic studies, you need a study permit.
Does my student spouse need to study full-time?
Yes, and in an eligible program.
Can I renew a PGWP?
Normally no; only under specific public policies.
Can I apply from inside Canada?
It depends on your category and current status.
How long does it take?
It varies; we align expectations during the consultation.
Can I travel while I wait?
Check your entry status and TRV/eTA as applicable.
What can cause a refusal?
Insufficient relationship proof, invalid status, incorrect category, or inconsistent information.