Canada Open Work Permit: Eligibility and Application Process June 2024
An open work permit in Canada lets you work for any employer. This is different from an employer-specific work permit, which means you can only work for one employer. This guide will explain what an open work permit is, how it is different from an employer-specific work permit, the benefits of an open work permit, and how to apply for one.
Work Permits in Canada
In Canada, there are two main types of work permits:
Employer-Specific Work Permit: This permit lets you work only for the employer who offered you a job. The employer helps with your permit application. You can only work for that employer, and you must leave Canada when your permit expires..
Open Work Permit: This permit lets you work for any employer in Canada. A big benefit is that you can bring your family with you to Canada..
Comparing Open Work Permit and Employer-Specific Work Permit
Here is a simple comparison of the two types of work permits:
Open Work Permit:
Work for any employer.
No need for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), unless the job is LMIA-exempt.
Your family may be allowed to come with you.
Employer-Specific Work Permit:
Only work for the employer who offered you a job.
Needs LMIA.
Cannot bring family.
A Canada Spouse Open Work Permit is for the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of someone who has sponsored them for Canada Permanent Residency (PR).
They can only apply if their PR application is being processed by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Open Work Permit Requirements
To apply for an open work permit, you need to:
Show you will leave Canada when your permit is over.
Show you can pay for your living and your family’s needs.
Be healthy and safe for Canada.
Follow Canadian rules and have no police problems.
Do not work for anyone who cannot hire short-time workers.
Employers who are not eligible include those:
Listed on the list of ineligible employers by IRCC. You can check this list here.
Who regularly offer services like striptease, escort services, or erotic dances.
Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit?
You might be eligible for an open work permit if you are:
A graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
A student who cannot afford your studies.
A dependent of someone who applied for PR.
A temporary resident permit holder.
Someone who applied for Canada PR and your application is being processed.
The husband or wife of a student from another country.
How to Apply for Open Work Permit From India
Follow these steps to apply:
Create or Sign into IRCC Account: Begin by creating or signing into your IRCC account.
Choose Application Type: Select “Work Permit” as your application type.
Fill Out Application Form: Complete the application form and upload all necessary documents.
Pay the Application Fee: The fee must be paid to process your application.
Approval and Introduction Letter: Upon approval, IRCC will issue an approval letter and a letter of introduction. You will need these at the port of entry.
Arrival in Canada: When you arrive, you need your passport, travel document, and visitor visa (if required). A border officer will check your identity, medical exam results, and fingerprints. Your work permit will be printed at the airport or port of entry.
Open Work Permit Processing Time & Fee
The fee for a Canadian open work permit is CAN$100. It takes about 21 days to process if you apply from India. This time is based on how long it took to process past applications.
Whom Can You Bring to Canada on an Open Work Permit?
You can bring your family members to live, study, or work in Canada with an open work permit. If your spouse or partner does not want to work, they need to apply for a visitor visa or study visa.
In 2022, 23% of all work permits given were open work permits. More people want open work permits because they are better and cheaper than employer-specific work permits. With an open work permit, you can work for any employer you choose
Want to Apply for a Canadian Open Work Permit?
If you want to apply for a Canadian open work permit, fill out the form below for a FREE talk with India’s only CICC-licensed immigration consultants. Someone from Talent Connected Worldwide will contact you soon.
Conclusion
The open work permit is a good choice if you want to work in Canada. It lets you work for any employer and you can bring your family too. Follow the steps in this guide to apply for your open work permit and start your new life in Canada.
