Canada Open Work Permit: Work Anywhere in Canada 2024 | Complete Guide

Are you considering taking a job in Canada? Your pass to enter may be an Open Work Permit! With this special permit, you can work for any Canadian company—not just one. This article will cover every detail regarding open work permits in Canada.

Different Types of Work Permits in Canada

Work permits come in two primary varieties:

• Employer-specific: This permit is only valid for employment with the business that extended the offer to you. You are not allowed to work for anyone else, but they will assist you in getting the permit.
• Open Work Permission: With this permission, you can work in Canada for any employer you choose. In most situations, it also permits you to bring your family with you.

Why Select an Open Work Permit?

What makes Open Work Permits so beneficial is this:

• Work from anywhere: You are not limited to a single employer.
• Usually no need for an LMIA: Simply said, an LMIA is an assessment to determine whether a foreign worker is required for the position. Often, this test is not necessary for open work permits.
• Bring your family: You can typically apply to have your family come to Canada with you.

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

While you’re waiting, you may be qualified for a special Open Work Permit if your spouse or partner is applying to live permanently in Canada.

For whom is an open work permit valid?

Here are some explanations of why you might be eligible for an Open Work Permit:

• Recently completed your education in Canada? One form of Open Work Permit that you may qualify for is the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
• Do you need help paying for education in Canada? You can support yourself by earning money with the aid of an Open Work Permit.
• A relative requesting a permanent residency permit? As their dependent, you can be qualified for an Open Work Permit.
• Possessing a temporary residency visa? In some circumstances, you can be eligible for an Open Work Permit.
• Are you awaiting word on your application for permanent residence? You can close the gap with the aid of an open work permit.
• Spouse of an international pupil? You may also qualify for an Open Work Permit!

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit

A few stages are involved in requesting an Open Work Permit:

• Create a profile: To access the online application, create an account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Select the kind of permit: Choose “Work Permit” as the application type that you are sending in.
• Fill out the form and collect the necessary paperwork: Fill out the application and gather all the paperwork requested by the IRCC.
• Cover the cost: Pay the necessary amount so that your application can be processed.
• Acceptance and correspondence: If your application is accepted, the IRCC will provide you with a letter of introduction and an approval letter that you will require to enter Canada.
• When you arrive in Canada, make sure you have your passport, travel documentation, and visiting visa (if applicable) available. After reviewing your paperwork, a border official may immediately grant your work permit.
• Processing duration and costs: The processing time for an Indian application for an open work permit is typically 21 days, though this can vary. A 100 CAD application fee is required.

With an Open Work Permit, You Can Bring Your Family

You can sponsor your family’s immigration to Canada using an Open Work Permit. They can live, learn, and, in certain situations, work. Your spouse or partner must apply separately for a student or visitor visa if they do not intend to work.

Why There Is An Increase in the Use of Open Work Permits

Because open work licenses are more cost-effective and versatile than employer-specific permits, they are growing in popularity. In fact, in 2022, open work permits accounted for an astounding 23% of all work permits issued in Canada!

Are You Prepared to Work in Canada?

An opportunity to start over in Canada and take advantage of exciting work prospects can be found with an Open Work Permit. To ensure that your application is processed properly, conduct additional research and consider speaking with a certified immigration professional.