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 in this land of maple leaves, you will need to apply for a Canadian work permit. Take a closer look at the Canadian open work permit and the pathways to obtaining one.

What is a Canadian Open Work Permit?

Canada is a popular destination for skilled professionals, international students, and individuals seeking a fresh start. A Canadian work permit is a legal document granting foreign nationals permission to undertake employment in Canada.

One of the most attractive immigration options for those looking to work in Canada is the Canadian open work permit. Unlike employer-specific work permits, the open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada, providing the flexibility to explore job opportunities in multiple sectors

What You Will Not Need

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 Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which would be obtained from Employment and Social Development Canada

What is a Labor Market Impact Assessment?

A Labor Market Impact Assessment 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.

Canadian 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 cannott 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

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Ways to Get a Canadian 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)

A large chunk of LMIA-exempt work permits are issued to international student graduates who qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP affords graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) the opportunity to rack up valuable Canadian work experience by granting them a Canada work permit.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, skilled work experience 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) 

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

Who Qualifies for an Open 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 an appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level jon
• 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 that 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 will 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.

Benefits of Having a Canada Open Work Permit

A Canada open work permit is a highly sought-after immigration option for foreign workers, international students, and spouses of skilled workers. We explore the key benefits of having a Canada open work permit and how it can enhance your professional and personal life in Canada.

Flexibility to Work for Any Employer

A Canada open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, unlike employer-specific work permits that tie you to one employer. This flexibility enables you to explore various job opportunities, gain diverse work experience, and switch employers easily without needing to apply for a new Canadian work permit.

Opportunity to Gain Canadian Work Experience

With a Canada open work permit, you can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is crucial for enhancing your resume and qualifying for Canadian permanent residency through programs like Express Entry. Canadian work experience improves your job prospects and helps you adapt to the local workplace culture.

Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency

A Canada open work permit can be a stepping stone to permanent residency. For example, work experience gained on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) can help you qualify for Canada’s Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), boosting your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

No Need for a Labor Market Impact Assessment

Unlike employer-specific work permits, an open work permit generally does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), reducing processing time and paperwork. This makes it easier to find a job and work for any employer without additional administrative hurdles.

Ability to Support Yourself and Your Family

With an open work permit, you can financially support yourself and, if applicable, your family members in Canada. Both spouses and dependents of work permit holders can apply for their own open work permit, allowing multiple family members to work and contribute to the household income.

Better Work-Life Balance

An open work permit allows you to choose jobs that offer a better work-life balance or higher wages. The flexibility to change employers and industries means you can seek opportunities that better align with your career goals and personal preferences.

Enhanced Networking Opportunities

Working for different employers across various industries helps you expand your professional network in Canada. This exposure to diverse work environments creates valuable connections that can lead to better job opportunities, mentorship, and career growth.

Quick Transition to Work After Studies

For international graduates, the PGWP allows you to work immediately after completing your studies, gaining Canadian work experience right away. This permits you to transition smoothly from student life to the workforce, whether in your field of study or elsewhere.

Your Journey Starts Here

FAQ

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Canadian 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 Have 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