What is an open work permit?

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. Because it is not job-specific, you do not need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An open work permit allows you to apply for any employer in any sector in Canada.

Who can apply for an open work permit?

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

• are an international student who is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• qualify as a destitute student
• have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada
• applied for permanent residence in Canada
• are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
• are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
• are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Program
• are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
• are under an unenforceable removal order
• are a temporary resident permit holder
• are a young worker participating in special programs

Additional criteria may apply.

What are the requirements to apply for an open work permit?

To apply for an open work permit, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires
• show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home
• have police clearance
• pass a medical exam
• not plan to work for an ineligible employer
• meet other requirements as required

How long is the processing time and what are the application fees?

Processing times vary depending on the number of applications being processed and where you submitted your application. Usually, in-Canada applications take about 2 months.

The application fee for an open work permit is $255. Biometrics may be required.

What are the key considerations in submitting an application?

The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for an open work permit for Canada:

• Are you applying for the right work permit?
• How do you ensure you remain in status while applying for a new permit?
• How do you show that you intend to leave Canada when your work permit expires?