Canada 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.

Canada Open Work Permit allows dependents of the primary applicant to gain valuable exposure to the Canadian workplace while enjoying a high quality of life. One of the biggest advantages of an Open Work Permit Canada is the freedom to Work for any employer in Canada. You are not restricted by industry or location, which means better job mobility and faster career growth. Spouse of the primary applicant can work and children can study, helping families settle comfortably while gaining Canadian experience. Canadian work experience gained through this permit helps in PR Pathway and improves future immigration prospects.

What is an open work permit?

An open work permit allows the spouse of the Canada visa holder 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.

Who Is Eligible for a Canada Open Work Permit?

The Canada Open Work Permit is available to specific categories of individuals, including:

Dependent family members of this applicant

Spouse of skilled worker’s resident

Spouse of international students studying in Canada

Spouse of Foreign nationals currently in Canada whose has work permit visa.

Spouse of International students who have completed their post-secondary education in Canada.

Eligibility for the Canada open work visa

Proof of financial resources that can support yours and your family’s stay in Canada during the work permit validity

Police clearance showing no criminal record

Medical proof confirming good health

Meet eligibility conditions such as language skills, biometric data, and insurance

Types of Open Work Permit in Canada?

There are three kinds 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.

Application Process for Canada Open Work Permit

Documents Requirement

Passport valid for at least six months after your planned entry to Canada

Proof of education

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Birth certificates of children (if applicable)

Medical exam report (required if you plan to work in healthcare, childcare, teaching, or agriculture)

A visa interview may be required if immigration officials need to confirm the applicant’s intention to return to their home country after the open work permit ends.

Applicants can bring their spouse or partner and minor children on an open work permit, provided their documents are included in the application so that they can evaluate as a family

If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements, there are additional ways to qualify for and obtain an open work permit.

Applicants who have applied for permanent residence and whose current work permit will expire before their application is approved may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This permit allows them to remain and work in Canada while waiting for their PR status.

Processing Time:

After the applicant submits the application with all required documents and attends the visa interview (if required), the processing time may range from 3 to 20 weeks, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.

Duration of the Visa

The visa duration depends on the agreement between the employer and the applicant, with a minimum duration of six months in most of the cased the open work permit visa is issued till the validity of primary applicant.

Benefits of an Open Work Permit Visa

Open work permit 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.

In case of student spouses, the open work permit visa holder can work for full time for any employer, any place in Canada, were as the sponsor is studying

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

Student permit visa

Why Choose Global Gateways?

when they meet eligibility criteria in following pathways to

At Global Gateways, we have over 25+ years of expertise in Canadian immigration services. We help clients:
Prepare accurate and complete documentation
Strengthen their Canada Open Work Permit application
Respond to IRCC queries quickly
Improve approval success rates
Handle refusals, reapplications, and appeals

We are partner with IRCC agents.

Our expert team ensures a smooth and stress-free experience when you apply for a Canada Open Work Permit.

FAQ'S

Can my family come with me?

Yes you can include your spouse or partner and minor children in the application, and they can be assessed as a family.

Can I apply for Permanent Residency while on an Open Work Permit?

Yes. If you meet the Permanent resident requirements, you can apply for Canadian PR while on an open work permit.

Can I change employers while on an Open Work Permit?

You can work for any employer in Canada without restrictions.

Do I need a visa interview?

Sometimes. Immigration officials may require a visa interview to confirm that you will return to your home country after your permit expires.

Do I need a job offer to apply?

No. An Open Work Permit does not require a specific job offer, giving you the flexibility to work for any employer in Canada.

Can Spouse of international students apply for an Open Work Permit?

Yes. Spouse of international students in Canada are eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work full-time while their partner studies.

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Disclaimer:

Global Gateways, do not offer consultancy on overseas jobs / work permits / international or domestic placements etc. We are primarily Visa immigration and Study Abroad advisory company that offers consultation on Visa immigration and Study Abroad options. We are not associated with any government authority or department of immigration. We neither assist in any kind of Job / employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic / International placements and visas.