Choosing the Right Work Permit: Open vs Closed Guide
- immigration-conultant
- Apr 5
- 2 min read

Are you planning to work in Canada but confused about which work permit suits you best? Understanding the difference between an open and closed work permit is essential to making the right choice for your immigration journey.
What is an Open Work Permit?
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. It is not tied to a specific job or location, offering more flexibility.
Ideal For:
Spouses/common-law partners of skilled workers or international students
International graduates under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)
Refugees or vulnerable workers
What is a Closed Work Permit?
A Closed Work Permit (also known as an employer-specific work permit) restricts you to working for a specific employer, at a designated location, and for a particular job. The permit includes the employer’s name and job role details.
Ideal For:
Foreign workers with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Workers under Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) based programs
Intra-company transferees
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want the freedom to explore different jobs or are coming to Canada with a spouse or as a graduate, the Open Work Permit is your best fit.
If you have a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer, a Closed Work Permit may be required.
Need Help Choosing the Right Path?
Navigating work permits can be confusing, but you're not alone. At GO GLOBAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES, we provide expert advice, personalized solutions, and end-to-end support to help you make the right move toward your Canadian dream.
Call Us: +91 9266113222 | +91 9266114222 | +91 9266115222
Office Address: Office No. 212, Second Floor, Suneja Tower-1, Plot No. 7, District Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058
Email: info@ggims.com
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