Canada Open Work Permit 2026: Who Still Qualifies Under the New Rules

If you are planning to work in Canada in 2026, the rules around open work permits are not what they used to be.

Big changes introduced in 2025 are still shaping who can apply now. Families, students, and foreign workers are the most affected. The permit still exists, but it is more limited and more specific than before.

Here is what you need to know.

What Is an Open Work Permit?

An open work permit lets you work for most employers in Canada. You do not need a job offer, and your employer does not require an LMIA. This is different from an employer-specific work permit, which ties you to one job and one employer.

Because of this flexibility, open work permits have always been popular. That is exactly why the government tightened the rules.

What Changed in 2025 and Why It Matters

In January 2025, Canada narrowed eligibility for a family-based open work permit.

Spousal permits are now limited to certain groups. Dependent children can no longer apply for new open work permits just because a parent is working or studying in Canada, according to Canada Visa.

If someone already had an open work permit before the changes, they were usually allowed to keep it until it expired. New applications, however, follow the stricter rules.

Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit in 2026?

Eligibility now depends entirely on the pathway you are using.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

International students who graduate from eligible Canadian institutions can still apply.

You must:

• Complete an eligible program
• Maintain a valid student status
• Apply within the allowed time after graduation

The PGWP can only be issued once and is valid for a limited period.

Spouses of Certain Students

Spouses may qualify only if the student is studying full-time in:

• A master’s program of at least 16 months
• A doctoral program
• Selected professional degree programs

Most college diplomas no longer support spousal open work permits.

Spouses of Certain Foreign Workers

Spouses can still apply if the main worker is employed in:

• TEER 0 or 1 roles
• Selected TEER 2 or 3 jobs linked to labour shortages

What matters most is the actual job duties and the correct NOC code, not the job title.

Bridging Open Work Permit

This option is for people already in Canada who have applied for permanent residence.

It allows them to keep working while waiting for a decision on their PR application.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Working Holiday permits under IEC are usually open work permits.

These are quota-based and can fill up fast, depending on your country of citizenship.

Special Situations

Some people may still qualify under specific programs, including:

• Refugees and asylum claimants
• Vulnerable workers facing abuse
• Students who face sudden and serious financial hardship

Each case has its own rules and evidence requirements.

What About Dependent Children?

This is one of the biggest changes.

Dependent children are no longer eligible for new open work permits based only on a parent’s status. Families usually need to rely on study permits or other options instead.

How to Apply Step by Step

Don’t wing it; refusals spike from wrong assumptions.

1. Choose the correct pathway, such as PGWP, spousal permit, IEC, or bridging permit
2. Check the 2026 eligibility rules carefully, including program type or TEER level
3. Gather documents like proof of status, relationship evidence, and study or job details
4. Apply online through IRCC within the required timelines
5. Track your application and reply quickly to any requests from immigration officers

Final Thoughts

Many refusals happen because applicants assume all students or workers qualify.

The open work permit still exists in 2026, but it is no longer broad or automatic. It is tied to specific pathways, specific jobs, and specific programs. Knowing which box you fit into now matters more than ever.