What is an open work permit?

An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for any Canadian employer he/she wants over a specified period of time. Some open work permits may restrict the kind of job or place in which the foreign national may work. A worker may apply for an open work permit from outside of Canada, within Canada or at a Canadian port of entry.

In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.
Eligibility for an open work permit Visa:

An open work permit is a work visa allow even job is not specific.

• If you are an international student, graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• If you are a student who’s no longer capable to meet the costs of your studies
• If you have an employer-specific work permit
• If you have applied for permanent residence in Canada
• Your dependent family member has applied for permanent residence
• Your spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
• Your spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• If you are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
• If you are under an unenforceable removal order
• If you are a temporary resident permit holder
• If you are a young worker participating in special programs

In each of these situations, you should meet additional extra criteria to be eligible.

Benefits of an Open Work Permit

Open work permits visa holder has high sought of the freedom.

While most work permits are tied to a specific employer, an open work permit holder allows a foreign national to work for any employer in Canada and the freedom to move anywhere in Canada at their own choice.

After gaining Canadian work experience, foreign nationals will be eligible for Canadian permanent residency.

After gaining Canadian work experience, foreign nationals can apply for permanent residence when they meet eligibility criteria in following pathways to:

• Express Entry
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Quebec Immigration

How can I get Open Work Permit in Canada?

Canada Open Work Permit is offered to an overseas applicant, through one of the LMIA – Labour Market Impact Assessment exemptions. They can apply for the Open Work Permit outside Canada. The application can also be submitted by applicant after arrival to Canada according to the requirements of the program.

Three categories of open work permits:

• Unrestricted open work permit
• Occupation restricted open work permit
• Restricted work permit

The unrestricted open work permit allows a foreigner to travel to Canada and work on any job for any employer and at any place.

In the occupation restricted open work permit the Applicant can work for any employer but only in a specified job.

With a restricted work permit, the applicant can change the employer but not the place of work.

When can one apply for a spouse dependent work permit?

Applicant can apply for spouse dependent work permit as soon as they get study / work permit in Canada.

With an open work permit visa, overseas nationals are not eligible to accept employment from the following categories of employers:

• Employers listed as ineligible for having been non-compliant with IRCC regulations
• Employers regularly offering striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

Because it is not job-specific, you will not need the following when you apply for your work permit:

• Applicant can apply for this visa, even if applicant do not have A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment or
• Applicant need not have Proof that an employer or offer of employment through the Employer

The Open Work Permit fee has to be paid along with the Work Permit fee.

Open work permit holder

100 CAD

Useful Links

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