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What is an Open Work Permit?
An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada except for employers deemed ineligible by the government, which means you can switch jobs or employers without having to apply for a new work permit every time. By gaining Canadian work experience, individuals may become eligible for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
It is important to note that not all foreign nationals are eligible for an open work permit. Some may be required to obtain a job offer from a specific employer to apply for a regular work permit.
Who can apply for an open work permit?
- Spouses or common-law partners of international students or workers in Canada
- Temporary residents who are waiting for a decision on their permanent residency application
- Refugees, refugee claimants, and protected persons
- Young professionals through International Experience Canada
- Individuals participating in certain programs, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program or the Bridging Open Work Permit Program
- Dependent children of temporary residents in Canada
Open work permit LMIA exemption categories
Several LMIA exemption categories allow foreign nationals to apply for an open work permit, including:
- Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- International students who have graduated from a Canadian institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
- Participants in certain youth mobility programs, such as Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op
- Refugees or those with protected person status
- Individuals who have applied for permanent residence under certain immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class
- Intra-company transferees who are transferred to a Canadian branch or subsidiary of their foreign employer
- Bridging open work permits for individuals who have applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a decision
Processing time
The standard processing time for most open work permit applications might vary from two weeks to a few months.
If you want to bring your family with you -
available work permits do not automatically allow your family members to work or study in Canada. They must apply for their permits and meet the eligibility criteria. However, an open work permit can allow your spouse or common-law partner to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer, and your children may be eligible to study at Canadian schools. In some cases, family members may also qualify for priority processing of their permit applications, which can help them join you in Canada sooner.
How Can I apply?
For professional guidance, you can seek from Can-America Immigration services. Please book a consultation with our licensed immigration professionals to discuss and apply for your open work permit with the help of our experienced team.