An open work permit usually allows an individual to work for any employer in Canada, with certain limited exceptions. It is ideal for those who do not currently have a job offer, or who want the flexibility to work in different fields or locations. Open work permits allow their holders to acculumate experience living and working in Canada which will assist them should they decide to apply for permanent residency in future.
Who can apply for an Open Work Permit?
In order to apply for an Open Work Permit, you should either:
- be an international student who has graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada and who is eligible to apply under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
- be a student and be currently unable to pay for your studies
- be in possession of an employer-specific work permit, but be the victim of abuse (or be at risk of abuse) in your current job
- be the dependant of a family member who has applied for Canadian permanent residence
- be the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a low- or high-skilled worker living and working in Canada
- be the spouse or common-law partner of an international student undertaking their studies in Canada
- be the spouse or common-law partner of someone who has applied for the Atlantic Immigration Program
- be a refugee, refugee claimant or protected person, or a family member of one
- be under an unenforceable removal order
- be in possession of a temporary resident permit
- be sponsored by your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or accompanying dependent child and be already in Canada
- be an investor who has received a Quebec Notice of Intent to Select
When applying for an Open Work Permit, you must be prepared to prove that:
- you intend to leave Canada upon the expiry of your work permit
- you can support yourself and your family members while in Canada
- you have sufficient funds to allow you to return home when your permit expires
- you have no criminal record in any country you have lived in previously
- you are in good health
Open work permits are subject to the following restrictions:
- you can not work for an employer listed as ineligible to sponsor work permits
- you can not work for an employer who regularly offers adult services
What does an Open Work Permit offer?
Open work permits allow holders to work for most employers across the whole of Canada, and to change employers without having to reapply for a new work permit. Applications are not dependent on having a job offer or contract lined up ahead of time, nor is any kind of Labour Market Impact Assessment required.
How do I apply for an Open Work Permit?
Applications for an open work permit can be submitted from inside or outside of Canada. The fees to apply cost around CAD $255.
Processing times can vary. Typically, applications from inside Canada are processed within around six weeks, but applications from outside Canada can take up to two years to receive a decision.