Free Complete Guide On Canadian Open Work Permit: Complete details about the Canadian Open Work Permit, including benefits, application requirements, required documents, and frequently asked questions.
To be able to work in Canada, all foreign nationals must have a work permit. Work permits combine a visa and a permit, which are both issued at the same time. There are many different types of work permits, but an open work permit is the most commonly requested.
What exactly is a Canada Open Work Permit?
An open work permit or an international mobility program for Canada is a work permit that is open to all jobs. Unlike other work permits, which only allow you to work for a single employer, the Open Work Permit allows you to change jobs while the permit is still valid.
If you apply as a temporary foreign worker, you may work in Canada for up to six months. You are allowed to change jobs during this period as long as your new employer is recognized by the Canadian government and is not involved in illegal activities.
Unlike other work permits, the Open Work Permit exempts you from providing the following information:
- Your employer may require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) report.
- Any proof that your employer has paid the employer compliance fee or made you an offer via the Employer Portal.
What are the types of Open Work Permits?
There are various conditions that must be met in order to obtain an Open Work Permit. It may be completely unrestricted or subject to some restrictions, as determined by the Canadian Consulate. There are three types of Open Work Permits in general:
- Unrestricted work permits that allow you to change employers, occupations, and workplace locations.
- Restricted work permits, which allow you to change employers but not your occupation.
- Restricted work permits allow you to change employers but not your location of employment.
The officer at the Canadian Consulate will decide what type of open work permit to issue you based on the documents you submit when you apply.
What are the requirements for the Canada Open Work Permit?
To be eligible for an open work permit, you must meet a number of requirements. One of the requirements based on your situation determines whether or not you can apply for the permit. Only those who fall into one of the following categories are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit:
- A person with a temporary resident permit.
- An international student who has completed their studies in Canada and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- A student who is unable to pay for their studies.
- A Canadian citizen who has applied for permanent residence.
- A relative of someone who has applied for permanent residence in Canada.
- An international student’s or skilled worker’s spouse or common-law partner.
- A refugee, protected person, asylum seeker, or family member.
- A young person who works in special programs.
To qualify for the Open Work Permit as a temporary worker, you must meet the eligibility criteria of the Temporary Visa. Furthermore, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must demonstrate that you intend to leave Canada once your work permit expires.
- You must demonstrate that you can finance your and your family’s stay in Canada and that you have sufficient funds to return to your home country.
- You must demonstrate that you have no criminal history.
- You must demonstrate that you do not pose a threat to Canada’s national security.
- You must be in good physical condition.
- Even if the officer issues a restricted work permit, you must be willing to follow the terms of your open work permit.
- You must demonstrate that you will not work for a company that provides striptease, erotic dance, erotic massage, or escort services.
To be eligible for the Open Work Permit as a temporary worker, you must meet the Temporary Visa eligibility criteria. You must also meet the following requirements:
- You must show that you plan to leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- You must demonstrate that you can afford to stay in Canada with your family and that you have sufficient funds to return to your home country.
- You must show that you have no criminal record.
- You must show that you do not endanger Canada’s national security.
- You must be in good physical shape.
- Even if the officer grants you a restricted work permit, you must agree to abide by the terms of your open work permit.
- You must demonstrate that you will not work for a company that offers services such as striptease, erotic dance, erotic massage, or escort.
How to apply for an Open Work Permit?
You must complete the following steps in order to apply for an Open Work Permit:
Get a job offer
To be eligible for a work permit, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer. As a result, you must begin early and apply to various companies. You can apply through various online resources or sign up for any headhunting services that will find you a job for a small fee.
You will be able to switch employers once you have the job and the open work permit, but you must have the job in order to submit an Open Work Permit application.
Apply for the visa and work permit
You can apply for a visa and work permit if you meet all of the requirements and have a job offer from a Canadian employer. The application must be made through your home country’s Canadian Consulate. You must complete the following steps:
- Create an account or submit a paper application – You can apply online using your credentials or your bank account information through the Government of Canada website. Alternatively, you can apply by sending your documents in hard copy.
Submit the application forms which include:
- IMM 1295 – Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada;
- Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa;
- IMM 5645 – Family Information Form;
- IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable);
- IMM 5476 – Use of Representative Form (if applicable);
- IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (if applicable);
Submit supporting documents which include:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada;
- A photocopy of your passport, including all pages.
- Two photos, as specified in the Photo Requirements.
- Your employer has made you a legitimate job offer.
- Evidence of current immigration status (if your country of residence is different from your country of citizenship).
- Certificates of police record.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV).
- Diplomas and certificates from your education.
- a duplicate of your marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Birth certificates for children (if applicable).
- If you intend to work in Quebec, you must obtain a Certificate d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ).
- Any other documents required by the Canadian Consulate.
- Complete the medical examination – It is preferable if you go through the medical examination to demonstrate your good health. You can do so with any licensed doctor who will sign the documents after you have passed the necessary tests. You will not be able to work in child care, primary or secondary school teaching, health service occupations, or agricultural occupations if you do not have a medical exam. It is recommended that you complete the medical exams in order to not limit your job options.
- Attend the visa interview – The Canadian Consulate officials may want to interview you to ensure that you will return to your home country once your open work permit expires and that you have been truthful in your application. You must show up for the interview on time and answer any questions they may have. They may also request your biometric information after the interview, which you must provide.
Wait for processing
After submitting the application, documents, and medical examination records, as well as completing the interview, you will be required to wait for processing. Depending on your country of citizenship, the processing time for an Open Work Permit Canada can range from 3 to 27 weeks. After this period, you will receive a decision from the Canadian Consulate.
Travel to Canada
If the Consulate approves your Open Work Permit, you can make travel and accommodation arrangements in Canada. When you arrive in Canada, officers at the Port of Entry (PoE) will stop you for inspection. They will examine your documents and question you about your visit’s purpose and length of stay in Canada. Give them all of your documents and answer all of their questions because they have the authority to refuse you entry if they suspect you are not telling the truth.
What are the Open Work Permit Fees?
The Open Work Permit costs a little more than an employer-specific work permit. You must pay a CAD$155 initial work permit application fee as well as a CAD$100 Open Work Permit fee. This type of work permit will cost a total of CAD$255.
Can I bring my dependents to Canada with an Open Work Permit?
When you go to work in Canada on an open permit, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner and minor children with you. To be evaluated as a family, you must include their documents in your application.
If your spouse or common law partner meets the eligibility criteria, they can apply as an Open Work Permit Canada spouse after you arrive in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to get a Canada Open work permit in 2023?
The IEC permit takes about 5 weeks to process after all required documents and biometrics are submitted.
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How can I study for an open work permit in Canada?
You cannot study in Canada if you have an open work permit (exceptions apply). A study permit is required if you want to study in Canada. If you are already in Canada and have an open work permit, you can apply for a study permit before your work permit application expires.
