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Open Work Permits

Open Work Permits

Open Work Permits

Foreign nationals with open work permits are eligible to work for any employer in Canada.
The majority of international workers in Canada require legal authorisation in the form of a work permit. The open work permit is one of many work licenses that allow foreign workers to lawfully work in Canada.
There are two types of work permits in Canada: closed work permits, which are connected to a particular firm, and open work permits, which enable foreign nationals to work for several companies and in multiple locations.
The most notable advantage of open work permits is that they allow for mobility within Canada between workplaces, employers, vocations, and locations.
For open work permits, certain of the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Canada are eliminated. You do not need a job offer or a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment to be eligible for an open work visa.
However, some open work permits may impose additional requirements on foreign nationals. If these conditions apply, they will be printed on your open work permit.

Who Can Apply For An Open Work Permit?

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you fall under one of the following categories:

  • You are an international student who has completed your studies at a designated educational institution and are qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
  • You applied for permanent residency in Canada using one of the country's immigration schemes;
  • You are a dependant family member (such as a spouse or common-law partner) of someone who has filed for permanent residence.
  • You are a skilled worker’s or foreign student's spouse or common-law partner;
  • You have a temporary residency permit;
  • You are a refugee, asylum seeker, protected person, or a family member of a protected person;
  • You are the subject of an unenforceable removal order;
  • You are a young worker taking part in the Working Holiday program.
  • You are a student who cannot afford to pay for your studies.
  • You have a work permit specific to your employer and are being abused or are at risk of being abused in the course of your employment in Canada.
  • Travel documents
  • Certified copy of a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade occupation issued by a Canadian provincial/territorial authority
  • Copies of work contracts and/or pay stubs
  • Documents relating to income taxation