Open work permit for Canada
An open work permit refers to a work permit which is not tied to a single location or employer. This means that Open work permit allows eligible foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada. Open work permits are one of many types of work permits that allow foreign workers to legally work in Canada.
There are two types of work permits : closed work permits that are tied to a single employer and open work permits that allow foreign nationals to work in Canada for any employers and in various locations.
So, applicants do not need to have a job offer or a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to be eligible for an open work permit.
This type of work permit has many advantages, including:
- Freedom of action: You can work for any employer in Canada and are not limited to a specific employer.
- Relocation: You can work anywhere in Canada and are not limited to a specific province or territory.
- Job change: You can change your job if you want.
- Accompanying family: Your spouse and dependent children can immigrate to Canada with you and receive work and study permits.
- Free education for children: Your dependent children can generally study for free and without paying tuition in Canadian schools from elementary to high school.
Who can Apply for an Open Work Permits for Canada?
Applicants may be eligible for an open work permit if they fall under one of the following categories:
- are under an unenforceable removal order
- are a temporary resident permit holder
- are a young worker participating in special programs
- are in Canada and being sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or accompanying dependent child
- are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
- are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)
- have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada
- are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
- are the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a low- or high-skilled worker
- are the spouse or common-law partner of an international student
- are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program
- are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
Procedures for obtaining an Open Work Permits for Canada
- Collecting the required documents: You must collect all the required documents, including passport, temporary visa, certificate of no criminal background, language certificate, and proof of financial ability.
- Create an online profile: You must create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Filling the application form: You must fill the Open Work Permit application form online and pay the application fee.
- Submit Documents: You must submit all required documents online or by mail.
- Face-to-face interview: In some cases, you may be asked to go to Immigration Canada for a face-to-face interview
