The government of Canada has changed its rules for applicants for the Canada Open Work Permit for the year 2025. The OWP program has issued changes affecting international students, foreign workers, and their families. Everyone, whether they are applying for a new permit or renewing the previous one, should know these department regulations.
Canada Open Work Permit 2025
The Canada Open Work Permit 2025 program has introduced some strict eligibility rules and other regulations. These changes are for families of foreign workers, spouses, and dependent children. They must consider these changes carefully and prepare the application according to the new rules and regulations.
The eligibility criteria have been updated to include some new requirements to ensure that people strictly follow the procedure and that only well-deserved candidates get the open work permit.
2025 IRCC Open Work Permit Overview
| Managed By | Government of Canada |
| Program Name | Canada Open Work Permit 2025 |
| Country | USA |
| Application Fee | $155 CAD |
| Benefits | Work anywhere in Canada without a job offer or LMIA |
| Processing Time | Online: 6-8 weeks & Paper: 8-12 weeks |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://www.canada.ca/ |
What is a Canada Open Work Permit (WP)
This open work permit allows foreign workers to work in Canada without any fixed job offer or Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Unlike other work permits, open work permits deliver flexibility & freedom for workers to explore different jobs and choose a suitable one in various industries.
- International students who come after completing their studies (post-graduation work) are qualified.
- Spouses or common-law partners of international students or skilled employees are eligible for OWP.
- Refugees, asylum seekers, or individuals needing public assistance can obtain open work permits.
- Participants in working holiday programs are also eligible.
Canada Open Work Permit 2025 Major Changes
1. Stricter Work Permit Rules for Spouses of International Students
Earlier, spouses of all international students were qualified for an open work permit. But from 2025, spouses of students in certain programs are eligible only:
- Eligible Programs: Master’s or PhD programs
Certain professional degrees, including:
- Medicine (MD)
- Dentistry (DDS, DMD)
- Law (LLB, JD)
- Optometry (OD)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Nursing (BScN)
- Engineering (B.Eng.)
- Education (B.Ed.)
Not Eligible: Spouses of students pursuing UG courses, diploma, or certificate programs.
2. Spouse Work Permit Restrictions for Foreign Workers
Beginning in 2025, spouses of foreign workers in high-demand occupations are the only ones who may get an open work permit. They include:
- TEER 0 and 1 jobs (Executive & Professional Occupations)
- TEER 2 and 3 jobs in in-demand fields such as Healthcare/Construction/Engineering/Skilled trades/Education.
3. Dependent Children No Longer Eligible for Work Permits
Dependent children of workers with lesser-skilled or entry-level employment no longer meet the eligibility requirements. Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer covered by an open work permit.
Instead:
- Children under 18 years of age need to apply for a student permit.
- Over 18s need to qualify for their work permit independently.
4. Work Permits Prioritized for High-Demand Jobs
Work permits will be prioritized in high-demand jobs, such as:
- Healthcare (nurses, doctors, paramedics)
- Skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders)
- Agriculture & Natural Resources (farmworkers, mining)
- Education & Childcare (teachers, daycare workers)
- Applications for low-demand fields can be rejected.
5. Increased Processing Times
With improved verification, processing times are longer:
- Online applications: 6–8 weeks
- Paper applications: 8–12 weeks
How to Apply for Canada Open Work Permit 2025
To apply for the Canada Open Work Permit 2025, people can follow the points given below:
- Firstly, people must Visit the department’s official website, https://canada.ca/, on their respective devices.
- Complete the online application form with the required details.
- Upload all requested documents for verification purposes & check the details precisely.
- Pay the application fee, which is $155 CAD for applicants.
- Some applicants must complete the biometric & appear in the medical exam before the permit is approved.
- Individuals need to wait for specific duration for the approval, once approved, your work permit will be issued electronically or by mail.
FAQs
What are the application fees for submitting the form?
$155 CAD
What are two major changes in OWP 2025?
Longer processing times and dependent children are no longer eligible.
Where can candidates access the application form to submit it?
Using the official website https://canada.ca/ of the department.
Neeraj is a journalist with 4 years of experience in education news. He contributes to Keaonline News, providing clear and accurate articles on exams, results, and policies. Known for his timely updates and ability to simplify complex topics, Neeraj has built a strong reputation for his dedication and well-researched content.