Open Work Permits - Themillenniumimmigration

Open Work Permits for Canada

Open work permits allow eligible foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada, providing flexibility and opportunities across various industries.

Holding an open work permit offers the freedom to work in any occupation or for any employer in Canada. For more information, visit our comprehensive CanadaVisa page on open work permits.

If you need assistance, Cohen Immigration Law is here to help with over 45 years of expertise. Please complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our work permit lawyers.

What is an Open Work Permit?
Who can Apply for an Open Work Permit?
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Open Work Permits?
How do I Apply for an Open Work Permit?
Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

What is an Open Work Permit?

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada, with open work permits being one of the available options. Open work permits allow individuals to work for any employer and in various locations, offering flexibility that closed work permits, tied to a single employer, do not. A key advantage of open work permits is that they exempt holders from needing a job offer or a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, some open work permits may have additional specific requirements, which will be noted directly on the permit.

Who can Apply for an Open Work Permit?

You may qualify for an open work permit if you meet one of the following criteria:

You are an international student who has graduated from a designated institution and qualifies for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
You have applied for permanent residence through a Canadian immigration program.
You are a dependent family member (spouse or common-law partner) of someone who has applied for permanent residence.
You are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker.
You are the spouse or common-law partner of a master’s or doctoral student.
You hold a temporary resident permit.
You are a refugee, asylum seeker, or protected person, or a family member of one.
You are under an unenforceable removal order.
You are a young worker participating in the Working Holiday program.
You are a student unable to meet study costs.
You have a work permit tied to your employer and are experiencing abuse or at risk of abuse in your job.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Open Work Permits?

Eligibility for an open work permit varies based on individual circumstances. Here are some common reasons for eligibility:

1. Permanent Residence Applicants in Canada: If you and your spouse or common-law partner reside in Canada, have an expiring work permit, and have applied for permanent residence under a federal or provincial economic class, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). Note: BOWPs are not available in Quebec.

2. Inland Sponsorship: Spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents may receive an open work permit while being sponsored for permanent residence.

3. Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers: If your spouse or common-law partner holds a job in Canada classified as NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B for at least six months, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

4. Spouses of International Students: As a spouse of an international student, you can apply for an open work permit if you are not a full-time student. Specific criteria apply depending on when the application was made.

5. International Graduates: Graduates from designated Canadian programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Their spouses or common-law partners may also be eligible for an open work permit with a validity that matches the graduate’s work authorization.

6. International Experience Canada Participants: Young adults participating in the IEC program may qualify for an open work permit under the Working Holiday category, depending on their home country’s agreements with Canada.

For more detailed information on each category, please visit our dedicated webpage.

How do I Apply for an Open Work Permit?

You can apply for an open work permit from either inside or outside Canada, though the process and required forms will differ based on your location. In both scenarios, you’ll need to submit a specific application form and pay the open work permit holder fee along with the work permit processing fee at the time of application.

Contact THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION for Assistance

If you need assistance with a work permit, THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION is here to help. With over 11 years of experience, we specialize in guiding workers and employers through the Canadian work permit process.

Please fill out our short form to submit your inquiry, and one of our lawyers will reach out to schedule a free telephone consultation.