Open Work Permit
Foreign nationals who meet the requirements may work for any employer in Canada with open work permits.
The ability to work for the employer of your choice or in the profession of your choice is the largest benefit of having an open work permit.
What is an Open Work Permit?
Most foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada must get a work permit in order to do so. One of the various forms of work licenses that enable foreign workers to lawfully work in Canada is the open work permit.
In Canada, there are two kinds of work permits: closed work permits, which are connected to a single employer, and open work permits, which let foreign nationals work in Canada for any number of employers and in any location.
The main benefit of open work permits is that they facilitate unrestricted movement, whether it be between jobs, employers, professions, or locales in Canada. Some conditions related to acquiring a work permit in Canada are not applicable to open work permits. To qualify for an open work visa, you do not need to have a job offer or a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment.
However, some open work permits could have further conditions that visitors must fulfill. These requirements, if any, will be clearly stated on your open work permit.
Who can Apply for an Open Work Permit?
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you fall under one of the following categories:
- You are an international student who has graduated from a designated educational institution and is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program;
- You have applied for permanent residence in Canada under one of Canada’s immigration programs;
- You are a dependent family member (e.g., spouse or common-law partner) of a person who has applied for permanent residence;
- You are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student;
- You are a temporary resident permit holder;
- You are a refugee, asylum seeker, protected person, or their family member;
- You are under an unenforceable removal order;
- You are a young worker participating in the Working Holiday program;
- You are a student who is unable to meet the costs of studies;
- You have a work permit specific to your employer and are being abused or are at risk of being abused in the course of your employment in Canada.