Choosing the right work permit isn’t just paperwork — it shapes your future in Canada.
Since March 2025, LMIA-backed job offers no longer add CRS points. That’s made open work permit eligibility a bigger deal than ever before.
This guide walks you through when an open permit makes sense, when an employer-specific work permit in Canada might be better, and how your decision affects your shot at permanent residency.
Open vs Employer-Specific Work Permits — The Basics That Matter
In Canada, most temporary workers hold either an open work permit or an employer-specific one. They’re not interchangeable, and they don’t serve the same purpose.
An open work permit lets you work for nearly any employer in Canada. It doesn’t tie you to a company, and in most cases, there’s no LMIA involved.
You’ll see these issued to spouses of skilled workers or international students, post-graduation work permit holders, and others in LMIA-exempt work permit Canada categories.
An employer-specific work permit in Canada limits you to one job, with one company. If you want to leave or change roles, you’ll need to reapply. These permits usually come with an LMIA or through a provincial nomination. Some workers choose this route because it offers more structure—or because their employer is backing their permanent residency application.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Factor | Open Work Permit | Employer-Specific Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Linked to the employer | No | Yes |
| LMIA required | Usually not | Usually yes |
| Can change jobs freely | Yes | No (must apply for a new permit) |
| Common use cases | PGWP, spouses, IEC, bridging permits | LMIA hires, PNP streams |
| PR impact | Helps build Canadian experience | Often supports PR through job offer or PNP |
If flexibility matters more to you than job security, an open permit makes sense. But if your job is tied to a nomination or sponsorship, the employer-specific path might be a better fit.
Why LMIA-Based Job Offers No Longer Boost Your CRS Score
Until recently, having a job offer supported by an LMIA was one of the easiest ways to raise your Express Entry score. Workers could count on a 50-point bump for most positions, and double that for senior roles. That changed in March 2025. IRCC removed every point tied to arranged employment.
An LMIA can still be used to get a work permit, but it no longer helps with Express Entry scoring. That decision has shifted attention away from employer-specific permits and toward LMIA-exempt pathways.
Since the rule change, many applicants who once relied on LMIA offers for points are instead building Canadian work experience through open permits, which now carry greater practical value.
Open permits — such as the PGWP, spousal permits, bridging work permits, and IEC — are now seen as the more practical choice.
This does not mean LMIA offers are irrelevant. For some, they remain useful when linked to a provincial nomination or when an employer is committed to long-term sponsorship. But the clear trend since the rule change is toward LMIA-exempt open permits, which provide flexibility without locking workers into a single job.
When to Choose an Open Work Permit (and Why)
Some people need job security. Others need room to move. If you’re in the second group, an open work permit makes more sense.
Take the case of someone on a post-graduation work permit. They’re often applying for jobs while building up Canadian experience. With an open permit, they can accept what’s available—even if it’s short-term—without worrying about government paperwork every time they change roles.
It’s also a better fit for spouses of skilled workers or students. Their situation changes based on where their partner works or studies, and the freedom to adjust jobs or locations is critical.
Another reason people choose open permits? They’re tired of waiting for an LMIA. If your employer isn’t ready to go through that process—or doesn’t qualify—you’re stuck. Open permits skip that step altogether.
There’s no built-in CRS bonus for having an open permit. But if your goal is to stay employed, build local experience, and keep your Canada work permit to PR journey on track, this is the easier path to take.
When You Might Need an Employer-Specific Work Permit Instead
Not every worker benefits from flexibility. If your job offer is stable—and your employer is willing to support your PR—an employer-specific work permit in Canada may be the smarter choice.
It’s common in trades, health care, and agriculture. These roles often come with LMIA approval or are tied to a provincial nomination. If you’re in one of these positions, your permit is tied to that job, but the long-term benefit is clear: many of these offers make you eligible for PR through PNP or federal programs.
Some workers also choose this route when the job itself is hard to replace. If your employer pays well, offers benefits, and is ready to handle the paperwork, staying in that role under a closed permit can be a reliable option.
This path isn’t for everyone. But if your goal is sponsorship and a direct route to residency, the trade-off might be worth it.
Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses and Graduates
Not every open work permit follows the same rules. Some are part of Canada’s long-term immigration system. Others exist only for a few years under pilot programs. Treating them the same can cause problems later.
Examples of standard, ongoing permits:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Available once after finishing studies at an eligible Canadian school. It is part of regular policy, not a trial program.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). Offered when a spouse is working in a skilled role or studying full-time in a recognized program. This option is built into immigration law and does not depend on temporary extensions.
Examples of pilot or temporary permits:
- Short-term spousal pilots that expand eligibility in certain occupations.
- Industry-specific pilots tied to labour shortages.
- Other policy trials run for a fixed time and may close without renewal.
Why the difference matters:
- A PGWP or SOWP gives stability. You know the rules won’t disappear mid-way through your status.
- A pilot program can help in the short term, but you cannot plan around it long term. If it closes, renewal may not be possible.
Next Steps: Choose the Right Work Permit for 2025
If you’re deciding between an open or employer-specific work permit in Canada, look at how the rules have changed. LMIA-based job offers no longer raise your CRS score. That shifts the value toward LMIA-exempt work permit Canada options—especially for those planning a path to permanent residency.
Before you apply for an open work permit Canada, make sure your choice supports your long-term immigration goals.
Not sure about your open work permit eligibility under Canada’s 2025 rules? Western Empire Immigration Consultancy Services can help you understand your options and choose the right permit for your situation.