Canada offers two kinds of work permits for foreign nationals: open and closed work permits. An open work permit allows a foreign national to work in Canada for almost any employer in any province. On the other hand, closed work permits are employer-specific and authorize you to work for a specific company under certain restrictions.
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Open Work Permit
A Canadian employer is not required to provide open work permit holders with a job offer or an LMIA. Moreover, it allows you to work up to 40 hours a week.
Who is Eligible For An Open Work Permit in Canada?
According to the IRCC, an open work permit can be obtained under certain conditions. You may be eligible to apply if you are:
- International students who completed their studies at an approved institution of higher learning are qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, except for students starting curriculum licensing agreement programs as of September 1, 2024.
- A destitute international student who is financially struggling and can no longer afford their education.
- On a work permit that is employer-specific and you are being mistreated or facing mistreatment because of your employment, then you can apply as an abused foreign worker.
- An applicant who has already submitted a Canadian permanent residency application can apply for a bridging open work permit.
- A family member who is dependent on an applicant for permanent residency
- A spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of a low- or high-skilled worker as per the new criteria announced in 2023.
- Either the spouse or common-law partner of an international student enrolled in a professional degree program at a university, such as a master’s or doctorate program, or one of the following at a polytechnic institution:
- Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS, DMD)
- Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Medical doctor (MD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm), Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Veterinary medicine doctor (DVM)
- Nursing Bachelor of Science (BScN, BSN, or BNSc)
- Education Bachelor’s Degree (B. Ed.)
- Engineering Bachelor’s Degree (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
- Either the common-law spouse or the spouse of a candidate for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
- A protected person, a refugee, a refugee claimant, or a member of their family
- Subject to an unenforceable order of removal.
- Possess a temporary residency permit.
- A young employee taking part in designated programs
However, it is worth noting that open work permit holders are not allowed to work for ineligible employers who fail to comply with the required conditions or for employers that provide services such as:
- Sensual massages
- Escort services
- Striptease
- Erotic dance.
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General Work Permits Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of your location or the type of work visa you’re applying for, you must meet the following standards:
- Prove to an immigration officer in your application that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- Demonstrate that you have enough money to maintain your family and yourself while you are in Canada and when you go back home.
- Abide by the law and maintain a clean record, as you might be required to provide a police clearance;
- Not jeopardize Canada’s security;
- Maintain good health and, if necessary, get a medical exam to apply.
- Have no desire to work for an establishment that frequently offers sensual massages, dancing, striptease, or escort services.
- Ready to provide additional documents, if the officer asks for more documentation to verify your eligibility.
How Can I Apply For A Work Permit?
There are various guidelines for applying for a work permit, depending on your origin. You can apply for a work permit at a port of entry (POE) or from outside of Canada. However, the most commonly used approach is to apply online via the GCKey login.
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