Open Work Permit Guide – Work Anywhere in Canada Easily 2024
Work Anywhere in Canada: Your Guide to the Open Work Permit
Thinking about working in Canada? An Open Work Permit might be your ticket in! This special permit lets you work for any company in Canada, not just one specific employer.
This guide will explain all about Open Work Permits in Canada:
- What they are and why they’re great
- Who can get one
- How to apply
Different Types of Work Permits in Canada
There are two main types of work permits:
- Tied to one employer: This permit is only good for working with the company that offered you a job. They’ll help you apply for the permit, but you can’t work for anyone else.
- Open Work Permit: This permit lets you work for any employer you want in Canada. It also allows your family to come with you, in most cases.
Why Choose an Open Work Permit?
Here’s what makes Open Work Permits so good:
- Work anywhere: You’re not stuck with just one company.
- No LMIA needed (usually): LMIA is a fancy way of saying a special test to see if a foreign worker is needed for the job. Open Work Permits often don’t require this test.
- Bring your family: You can usually apply for your family to join you in Canada.
Open Work Permit vs. Employer-Specific Permit
| Feature | Open Work Permit | Employer-Specific Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Work for any employer? | Yes | No – only your sponsor |
| LMIA needed? | Usually not | Yes, in most cases |
| Bring your family? | Maybe | No |
Canada Spouse Open Work Permit
If your spouse or partner is applying to permanently live in Canada, you might be eligible for a special Open Work Permit while you wait.
Who Can Get an Open Work Permit?
Here are a few reasons you might qualify for an Open Work Permit:
- Just graduated from a Canadian school? You might be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, a type of Open Work Permit.
- Having trouble paying for school in Canada? An Open Work Permit can help you earn money to support yourself.
- Family member applying for permanent residence? You might be eligible for an Open Work Permit as their dependent.
- Holding a temporary resident permit? You may be able to get an Open Work Permit under certain conditions.
- Waiting for a decision on your permanent residence application? An Open Work Permit can help you bridge the gap.
- Spouse of a foreign student? You might be eligible for an Open Work Permit too!
How to Apply for an Open Work Permit
Applying for an Open Work Permit involves a few steps:
- Make an account: Sign up for an account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to access the online application.
- Choose the permit type: Select “Work Permit” as the type of application you’re submitting.
- Fill out the application and gather documents: Complete the application form and collect all the documents IRCC asks for.
- Pay the fee: Submit the required fee to process your application.
- Approval and letters: If approved, IRCC will send you an approval letter and a letter of introduction you’ll need when you enter Canada.
- Arriving in Canada: Have your passport, travel documents, and visitor visa (if needed) ready for your arrival. A border officer will check your documents and may issue your work permit on the spot.
- Processing time and fees: It usually takes about 21 days to process an Open Work Permit application from India (this can change). The application fee is CAD 100.
Bringing Your Family with an Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows you to sponsor your family to come to Canada. They can live, study, and even work in some cases. However, if your spouse or partner doesn’t plan to work, they’ll need to apply for a visitor visa or study visa separately.
Why Open Work Permits Are Getting More Popular
Open Work Permits are becoming more popular because they’re flexible and affordable compared to employer-specific permits. In fact, a whopping 23% of all work permits issued in Canada in 2022 were Open Work Permits!
Ready to Work in Canada?
An Open Work Permit can open doors to exciting job opportunities and a chance to build a new life in Canada. Do some more research and think about talking to a licensed immigration professional to make sure your application goes smoothly.
