Canada government will implement important changes to its Open Work Permit (OWP) policy in August 2025. These updates are designed to make it easier for foreign workers who are eligible while restricting certain categories to meet changes in the labour market.
Suppose you’re the spouse of a student studying abroad, an employee with a high level of skill, or a person applying for permanent residence. In that case, we’ll tell you what you should learn about the new regulations, the application process, and the eligibility conditions.
What Is a Canada Open Work Permit?
An Open Work Permit (OWP) permits foreign workers to be employed by any company in Canada with no specific job offering. In contrast to permits specific to employers, an OWP allows flexibility and facilitates economic integration.
Who Is Eligible Under the August 2025 Update?
In August 2025, The following people will be eligible for an open Work Permit:
1. Spouses and Common-law Part-Partners of:
- International students who are enrolled in master’s, doctoral or postgraduate diploma programmes that run for up to 16 months
- Workers with skills that fall in NOC TEER categories 0 1, 1 and tasks in TEER 2 or 3
2. Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) Holders
- Students of qualified Canadian institutions
- Candidates with expired PGWPs who are applying for extensions
3. Permanent Residence Applicants
- People who apply for the Inland Spousal/Common-Law Sponsorship stream
4. Other Eligible Groups
- Participants of IEC’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program
- Victims of abuse or employees who are vulnerable under specific public policies
- Temporary resident refugees with refugee claimant status
Who No Longer Qualifies?
- Children dependent on international students and highly skilled employees cannot apply for OWPs.
- The spouses of students enrolled in undergraduate courses and short classes will be eligible.
- The policy change will not cover people in lower-skilled roles such as TEER 4 or 5.
Documents You Need to Apply
Before submitting your application, be sure that you have the following information:
- Valid passport
- The previous documents of immigration (if there is any)
- Evidence of connection (marriage certificate or joint utility bills, etc.)
- Document proving the principal’s situation (study/work permission)
- Passport-sized digital photo
- Application form completed
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Create an IRCC Secure Account
Go to www.canada.ca for more information on how to sign up for a safe IRCC account.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Form
- Inside Canada: Form IMM 5710
- Outside Canada: Form IMM 1295
Step 3: Upload Documents and Pay Fees
- Application fee: CAD $155
- Open Work Permit holder fee: CAD $100
- Biometrics (if required): CAD $85
Step 4: Submit and Track
Complete your application online. Keep an eye on the IRCC account for changes or any requests.
Processing Times
Timelines for processing vary from country to country of origin:
- Inside Canada: 8-12 weeks
- Outside Canada: 10-16 weeks
- Based on biometrics, A further 2 to 3 weeks could be required.
To prevent delays, ensure that you have submitted all paperwork correctly and be responsive to IRCC notices promptly.
What’s New in the August 2025 Update?
ChangeSummary
The applicant’s eligibility is not known. Dependent children and spouses of students who are not postgrads are no longer eligible.
Work permit limits: The duration of the application depends on the principal applicant’s validity
Priority processing In high-demand positions and postgraduate-level family members
Digital document upload Requirements through the IRCC portal
Government’s Statement
According to immigration minister Marc Miller, the update is designed to maintain family unity while keeping in line with labour market demands. Miller stressed that while it is crucial to be flexible, Canada’s immigration system should be sustainable and efficient.
Tips for a Successful Application
- You can apply for a new status before the expiration date of your current status
- Be sure your spouse’s work/program aligns with the latest requirements.
- Include translations of documents that are not in English.
- Make sure your passport is current during the whole duration of your permit
- Upload documents that have distinct tags (e.g., “MarriageCert.pdf”)
Final Words
Canada’s July 2025 open Work Permit changes bring the possibility of limiting opportunities. This system is geared towards professionals with a high level of skill and postgraduate families and is gradually removing accessibility to low-skilled workers.
If you satisfy the latest standards, you may work anywhere within Canada without employer support.
