What is a Canadian Open Work Permit?
An open work permit, also known as an international mobility program, allows foreign nationals to work in Canada in any occupation and for any employer. This type of work permit is different from other work permits, which are only valid for employment with a specific employer. With an open work permit, you are allowed to change employers while the permit is still valid. Typically, open work permits are valid for six months, during which time you are allowed to change employers as long as your new employer is recognized by the Canadian government and is not engaged in activities that are prohibited by the government.
Benefits of an Open Work Permit
There are several benefits to obtaining an open work permit. These include:
- The ability to work in any occupation and for any employer
- The freedom to change jobs and employers while the permit is still valid
- No need to provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or employer compliance fee
Types of Open Work Permits
There are three types of open work permits: unrestricted, restricted by occupation, and restricted by location.
- Unrestricted open work permits allow you to change employers, occupations, and locations of work.
- Restricted open work permits that are restricted by occupation allow you to change employers, but not your occupation.
- Restricted open work permits that are restricted by location allow you to change employers, but not the location of work.
The type of open work permit you are eligible for will depend on your circumstances and the documents you provide when you apply. The decision is made by an officer at the Canadian Consulate.
Eligibility for an Open Work Permit
To be eligible for an open work permit, you must meet certain criteria. You may be eligible to apply for an open work permit if you are:
- A temporary resident permit holder
- An international student who has graduated from a Canadian educational institution and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
- A student who cannot afford the cost of their studies
- A person who has applied for permanent residence in Canada
- A family member of a person who has applied for permanent residence in Canada
- A spouse or common-law partner of an international student or skilled worker
- A refugee, protected person, refugee claimant, or a family member
- A young worker participating in special programs
In addition to these requirements, you must also meet the eligibility criteria for a Temporary Visa in order to qualify for an open work permit.
Application Process for an Open Work Permit
To apply for an open work permit, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two passport-sized photos
- Payment for the processing fee
- Any additional documents required based on your circumstances
You can submit your application online or by mail to the Canadian Consulate. The processing time for an open work permit varies, but it is typically processed within six months.
- The Open Work Permit application form
- The Temporary Resident Visa application form
- The Employer Compliance Fee payment form (if applicable)
3: Gather the necessary documents
You will need to gather the following documents to submit with your application:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two passport-sized photos
- Payment for the processing fees
- Your job offer letter from your Canadian employer
- Proof of your relationship with any family members who will be coming with you to Canada (if applicable)
- Any other documents required based on your specific circumstances
4: Submit the application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application either online or by mail to the Canadian Consulate. Make sure to allow enough time for the processing of your application, as it can take up to six months to receive a decision.
5: Wait for the decision
After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the Canadian Consulate. They will review your application and determine whether you are eligible for an open work permit. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval and instructions on how to proceed with obtaining your open work permit.
6: Obtain your open work permit
Once you have received approval for your open work permit, you will need to follow the instructions provided by the Canadian Consulate to obtain your permit. This may involve submitting additional documents or paying additional fees. Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you will receive your open work permit and will be able to start working in Canada.
How to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit from Outside of Canada
If you want to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit. A work permit is a document that allows you to work in Canada for a specific period of time and is often required in addition to a visa. To apply for a work permit from outside of Canada, you will need to follow these steps:
- Complete the necessary application forms:
- 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)
- Gather supporting documents:
- Your passport (must be valid for more than 6 months after your planned date of entry into Canada)
- A photocopy of your passport and all its pages
- Two photos that meet the photo requirements
- A valid job offer from your employer
- Proof of your current immigration status (if your country of residence is different from your country of citizenship)
- Police record certificates
- Your resume or CV
- Your education diplomas and certificates
- A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Copies of your children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
- A Certificate d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) if you will be working in Quebec
- Any other documents required by the Canadian Consulate
- Complete a medical examination: To work in certain occupations, such as child care, primary or secondary school teaching, health service occupations, or agricultural occupations, you will need to complete a medical examination to prove that you are in good health. It is recommended to complete the medical examination to avoid limiting your job options.
- Attend the visa interview: The officials at the Canadian Consulate may want to interview you to determine that you will return to your home country once your work permit expires and to confirm the information you provided in your application. You must attend the interview at the appointed time and answer any questions they may have. They may also ask you to provide your biometric information after the interview
