Canada Lists 15 Categories for Open Work Permits in 2026

The Canadian government has announced the eligibility criteria for an open work permit, which will be available in 2026. This permit allows individuals to work for nearly any employer in Canada without needing a job offer.

Unlike a closed work permit, which restricts workers to a specific employer, the open work permit has no such limitations. Employers hiring open work permit holders are exempt from conducting a labor market impact assessment and do not need to pay an employer compliance fee.

However, open work permit holders cannot work for employers on the non-compliant employer list or in certain adult businesses. Most applicants must be inside Canada to apply, with eligibility limited to 15 specific categories, including post-graduation work permit applicants, family members of work permit holders, refugees, and victims of workplace abuse.

It is important to note that eligibility does not guarantee approval, and applicants should confirm their specific category before applying.