4 Ways To Get a Canadian Open Work Permit

Thanks to Canada's booming job market, you have landed a lucrative opportunity at a Canadian company. Now that the reality has set in, it is time to get into the formalities. To be able to work up north, you will need to apply for a work permit. Take a closer look at the Canada open work permit and the pathways to obtain one.

What is a Canada Open Work Permit?

 

 

A work permit is a legal document granting foreign nationals permission to undertake employment in Canada. There are two kinds of Canadian work permits: the open work permit and the employer-specific work permit. It is important to note that a work permit is not the same as a travel visa. You will not be able to enter the country on a work permit alone. Both are required.

A Canada open work permit does not tie you to one employer or region. If you have this type of permit, you will be able to be employed by many employers across the country. Since this permit is not job-specific, the following is not required when submitting your work permit application:

• Evidence that the relevant employer has presented your offer of employment via the correct channel - the Employer Portal - and has the employer compliance fee payment
• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which would be obtained from Employment and Social Development Canada

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may have to acquire before they hire a foreign national. If the assessment has a positive result, it will mean that there is a demand for someone from another country to fill the position. It will prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the post.

Open Work Permit Exceptions

While a Canada open work permit allows you to work for any company up north, there are the following exceptions:

• You can't work for an employer that is considered ineligible on the database of employers who have proven to be non-compliant with employment conditions
• Or work for an employer who Regularly offers adult entertainment and services

Already Curious? Apply Now

Ways to Get a Canada Open Work Permit

There are several ways to get a Canada open work permit. We will now take a look at Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), as a graduate within the International Experience Canada (IEC), the Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) and the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

Reports show that the bulk of LMIA-exempt work permits for the last year were issued to international student graduates who qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP affords graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) the opportunity to rack up valuable Canadian work experience by granting them a Canada open work permit.

Update

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently flexible regarding PFWP requirements due to the covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, if you have completed your studies online between March 2020 and August 2022, you will also be able to apply for this permit.

According to the IRCC, skilled work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, skill level A or B obtained via the PGWP plays an essential role in helping these graduates become eligible for Canadian permanent residency. This can be achieved via the Express Entry System's Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which can grant you permanent residency after gaining one year of Canadian work experience.

As with all open work permits, if you are a student with a post-graduation work permit, you'll be able to:

• Be employed on a full-time basis
• Have part-time jobs
• Start your own business

After graduation, as an international student, you could qualify to work in Canada for up to three years. This is possible if you have completed a full-time degree of at least two years. If your course duration was more than eight months but less than two years, there is still a chance that you'll be able to get a PGWP. The PGWP length would have to be the same as your course duration.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements can benefit by being able to apply for an open work permit via the International Experience Canada (IEC). The IEC was set up to give young people from around 30 nations the opportunity to work in the Great White North.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you could qualify for an open work permit under the Working Holiday category. While as an IEC participant, you will not need a job offer. However, you will have to meet the other eligibility requirements for the program.

Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) Canada

If you have a spouse who works or studies up north, you will likely qualify for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP). The same applies if you've submitted an application for permanent residence sponsorship under inland sponsorship if your spouse or partner is a Canadian citizen.

Who qualifies for a work permit as the spouse or common-law partner of a student?

Your spouse or common-law partner could qualify for an open work permit if you:

• Have obtained a study permit
• Qualify for a PGWP
• Study full-time at a college or university or CEGEP in Quebec, a private college in Quebec or a Canadian private institution legally awards degrees

Spouses of Canadian citizens and permanent residents could qualify for a Spouse Open Work Permit if they do so under inland sponsorship and live in Canada with their significant other.

If you are the spouse of a temporary foreign worker in Canada, you could also get an open work permit. However, your spouse must meet the set requirements and have a valid work permit for six months after an open spousal work permit is obtained.

In addition, the foreign worker will have to meet the following conditions. They must:

• Work in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level of 0, A, or B
• Work in any profession and have a provincial nomination from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Work in any field and have a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

Note: If you are the spouse of an international student, you could get a Spouse Open Work Permit Canada if you can prove that you are in a real relationship and your husband or wife is registered in a legitimate course.

Bridging Open Work Permit Canada (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit Canada (BOWP) makes it possible for foreign nationals to remain employed and in the country should their temporary status expire before getting permanent residency. If you are awaiting the results of your Canadian PR, you can apply for a BOWP. This will grant you an extension on your current valid work permit. If your application is a success, you'll be able to work for multiple employers in multiple locations, of your choosing.

Here is an expanded breakdown of who can apply for an open work permit. You may qualify for an open work permit if you:

• Are an international student who has completed a course at a designated learning institution and qualify for Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• Are currently studying in Canada but aren't able to cover your expenses
• Have an employer-specific work permit and find yourself in a situation that leaves you vulnerable to abuse
• Have applied for Canadian permanent residency
• Have a family member on whom you are dependent, who has applied for Canadian permanent residency
• Have a spouse or partner who is a skilled worker or international student
• Have a spouse or common-law partner who has applied to the Atlantic Immigration Program
• Fall under the category of refugee or protected person or have a family member of someone in one of these categories
• Find yourself under an unenforceable removal order
• Have a temporary resident permit
• Fall under the youth category and are taking part in a specific program in Canada

You must meet additional criteria in each of these situations to be eligible.

 

Jobs in Canada

Watch the video below to get an idea of the kinds of jobs you'll find in the Great White North.

Check Your Eligibility Today

Now that you know some of the ways you can get your Canada open work permit, it is a good idea to check your eligibility. Once you establish which program is most suitable for you, and apply and pay the fees. Then get excited about starting or continuing your Canadian journey!

Immigration to Canada can seem quite complicated. But when you use our accredited and government trusted Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will find that your chance of success in obtaining your permit or visa are likely to increase. Our RCICs are registered with the ICCRC (Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council) and are legally permitted to guide you through every step of your journey towards a life in the Great White North.

Your Journey Starts Here

FAQ

How Much Does itt Cost to Get a Work Permit?

According to the IRCC site, Canadian work permit fees amount to CAD 155 per person. Pay your fees when you apply. You will be instructed to pay all your open work permit fees during your application process. In order to be able to make a payment online, you have to have a:

• A PDF Reader;
• A printer
• A valid email address
• A credit or debit card
• Payment should be made after you have applied. Note that if you have not been asked to pay an open work permit holder fee when you have submitted your application, you should still make the payment online.

Will I Be Able to Apply to Become a Canadian Permanent Resident If I've Received a Canada Open Work Permit?

Yes. Because you will gain valuable work experience by working in Canada, you'll be able to stand a better chance of qualifying for Canadian permanent residency.

Which Immigration Programs are Eligible for a BOWP?

• Agri-Food Pilot Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Quebec Skilled Workers