Open Work Permit

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific or employer-specific. An applicant eligible for an open work permit will not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) offer of employment to apply for a work permit. An applicant eligible for open work permits will have to pay the open work permit holder fee at the same time that you pay the work permit fee.

Data Source:  Top 10 origin countries of IMP permit holders Canada 2017 Statista

Data Source: Canada – International Mobility Program work permit holders by gender, occupational skill level and year in which permit(s) became effective, January 2015 – October 2020 Open Data

• A postgraduate student who graduated from a designated learning institution and is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
• A destitute student who is unable to meet the costs of his/her studies.
• A vulnerable worker with an employer-specific work permit in Canada.
• A temporary resident permit holder.
• A refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member.
• A person who applied for permanent residence in Canada or is a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.
• A person under an unenforceable removal order.
• A young worker participating in special programs.

There are two methods of applying for an open work permit. You can either apply online or submit a paper-based application at a visa application center in your Country.

• ONLINE APPLICATION

To make an online application, you will be required to complete the necessary form, validate, print, sign, and upload the forms and the supporting documents.

To successfully submit an online application, you need the following:

• A scanner or camera to scan or capture the electronic copies of all your supporting  documents which must be uploaded.
• A valid credit card to make payment online.

The first step will be required to create an account online. Follow this link to create an account online.

Once the account has been created, you will start an application for an open work permit by answering some questions. The answers you provide to these questions will be used to create a personalized document checklist for you. 

Submit your application, upload all your supporting documents, and make payment for your application online. You can use your online account to get messages related to your application, check your application status, and update your information if necessary.

• PAPER-BASED APPLICATION

To submit a paper-based application, applicants must read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper. Complete all your forms and gather all your supporting documents. Visit a Visa application center (VACs) to submit your paper application. The service fee charged by VAC differs from one country to another. Follow this link to find out about VAC in your country. Read the instruction to apply on paper (In Canada applicants) and instruction to apply on paper (Outside Canada applicants).

The fees you have to pay to the government include your application processing fee of $155 for one individual and an open work permit holder fee of $100. You Might need to pay other third-party fees directly to the third party depending on your situation, including the Visa application center fee, medical examination fee, police clearance certificate fee.

If required, applicants must give their biometrics. Fingerprints and photos will be taken. Visit this link to learn more about how to give your biometrics. Estimated Cost – $85 Individual, $170 Family.

Standard Processing Time for Open Work Permit application: The processing times for Open Work Permit applications vary from one country to another. Follow this link to check the processing time for your Country. 

In 2019, Canada announced measures to protect vulnerable workers who have employer-specific work permits but are experiencing abuse in their employment, as well as new immigrants who face family violence. Temporary workers who have an employer-specific work permit and are in an abusive job situation in Canada will be allowed to apply for an open work permit. This will allow migrant workers to leave the employer immediately while maintaining their status and finding another job. Likewise, newcomers experiencing family violence will be able to apply for a fee exempt temporary resident permit that will give them legal immigration status in Canada. It will also include an open work permit. For more information, read the news release.