A Comprehensive Guide to Open Work Permit Canada

What is an Open Work Permit?

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada are required to possess a valid Canadian work permit. An open work permit is a distinct type of work permit that allows professionals to work for any employer in Canada.

However, these work permits may still contain restrictions confining the worker to a particular occupation or location. Such work permits are known as “open restricted” work permits.

Open Work Permit Canada (OWP) is important for foreign workers in Canada because it allows them to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer. This means that they can search and apply for jobs freely, and switch between jobs and employers as they, please.

Who is eligible for Open Work Permit Canada?

You can apply for your open work permit from inside or outside Canada. However, you will need to fill out different forms depending on where you are applying from. You will also need to meet specific eligibility requirements.

• Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents: Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for a spousal open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while their partner’s sponsorship application is being processed.
• Spouses or common-law partners of international students: Spouses or common-law partners of international students with a valid study permit can apply for an open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while their partner is studying in Canada.
• International Experience Canada (IEC) participants: Young people from countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Canada can apply for an IEC work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada for up to two years, depending on the agreement.
• Bridging open work permit: Temporary foreign workers who have applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a decision can apply for a bridging open work permit. This allows them to continue working in Canada while they wait for their permanent residence application to be processed.
• International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada: They can apply for a post-graduation work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program of study.

Types of Open Work Permits

There are different types of Open Work Permits (OWP) available in Canada, each with its own set of eligibility criteria and conditions. Here are some of the most common types of open work permits:

1. Unrestricted Open Work Permit

This type of work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, and in any location. These permits are usually issued to individuals who are eligible for permanent residences in Canada, such as those who have applied for permanent residency through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.

2. Spousal Open Work Permit

This type of work permit is issued to the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. It allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, but only for the duration of their spouse’s or partner’s study permit or work permit.

3. Bridging Open Work Permit

Bridging open work permits are special work permits issued to people with existing work permits that are going to expire soon. Such applicants have usually applied for permanent residence and are awaiting the decision on their application.

4. Post-Graduation Work Permit

A post-graduate work permit is a special type of open work permit granted to international students that have completed an education program at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). These permits have a validity length of between 8 and 36 months, depending on the length of the study program.

5. International Experience Canada (IEC)

This type of work permit is available to young people from countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Canada. The permit allows the holder to work in Canada for up to two years, depending on the agreement, and is typically issued for working holidays, international co-op programs, or young professional work experience.

6. Humanitarian and Compassionate Open Work Permit

This type of work permit is issued to individuals who are in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. If you have made a refugee claim in Canada and are waiting for a decision, you may be eligible for an open work permit.

Application Process for Open Work Permit

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) in Canada:

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Before applying for an OWP, you should first determine if you are eligible. The eligibility criteria for different types of work permits can vary, so it’s important to review the requirements for the specific type of OWP you want to apply for.

In most cases, applicants will first need to obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The only exceptions to this requirement are if the applicant is applying for a post-graduate work permit or a spousal work permit.

It can take many months to find a Canadian employer willing to hire you, so it is important to start this search early.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Once you have determined that you are eligible for an OWP, you will need to gather the required documents. These may include:

• A valid passport
• Proof of your eligibility for the OWP (e.g. a letter of support from your spouse, proof of your status as an international student, etc.)
• Proof of your financial support (e.g. bank statements, employment letter, etc.)
  A completed application form

Depending on the type of OWP you are applying for, there may be additional documents required. Please book a consultation with our experts for more info.

Step 3: Complete the application form

Next, you must fill out specific forms and gather supporting documents. If you are applying for your open work permit from outside Canada, you must submit your application through the Canadian consulate in your home country.

There is a fee for applying for an OWP, which can vary depending on the type of work permit you are applying for. You can pay the fee online or at a Canadian financial institution.

Once you have completed the application form, gathered all required documents, and paid the application fee, you can submit your application.

You can submit your application online through the IRCC website, by mail, or in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the Canadian embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Wait for processing

Next, you must wait for your application to be processed. These processing times vary based on many factors. This includes the volume of applications the Canadian Government is currently dealing with and where you are applying from.

For example, the current processing time for people in essential occupations applying from India is 8 weeks. Those who aren’t in essential occupations may face longer processing times.

People applying for open work permits from inside Canada face a processing time of approximately 7 weeks for paper applications and 22 weeks for online applications.

Step 5: Receive your OWP

If you receive your work permit in Canada, you can start working immediately. If you’re outside Canada, you can use the work permit and visa to enter the country and begin working for your Canadian employer.

Canada Open Work Permit Fees

The fees for an Open Work Permit (OWP) application may vary depending on the type of work permit being applied for and the individual’s circumstances. Here are some common fees associated with an OWP application:

1. Work Permit Processing Fee: This fee is required for all work permit applications, including OWPs. As of April 2023, the processing fee for a work permit application is $155 CAD.
2. Open Work Permit Holder Fee: If you are applying for an OWP from within Canada, you may also be required to pay an additional fee of $100 CAD as an Open Work Permit Holder fee.
3. Biometrics Fee: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your application. The biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD for a family of two or more people.
4. Restoration of Status Fee: If your status in Canada has already expired, you may be required to pay a Restoration of Status fee of $200 CAD in addition to the work permit processing fee.

It’s important to note that the fees listed here are current as of April 2023 and are subject to change. Always check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date fees and information regarding the Open Work Permit application process.

New Work Permit Extension Policy for PNP Candidates in Canada

Extension of Open Work Permit Canada

Can an OWP be extended?

Yes, an Open Work Permit (OWP) can be extended, provided that the individual still meets the eligibility requirements for the type of work permit they currently hold.

When to apply for an extension of OWP?

You should apply for an extension of your OWP at least 30 days before your current work permit expires. If your work permit has already expired, you may still be able to apply for a restoration of status and an OWP extension at the same time.

How to apply for an extension of OWP?

To apply for an extension of your OWP, you will need to complete and submit an application form along with the required supporting documents. The specific application form you need to complete depends on your situation. You can apply for an OWP extension online through your IRCC online account or by paper application.

Processing time for OWP extension application

The processing time for an OWP extension application can vary depending on the type of work permit and your individual circumstances. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.

As of April 2023, the processing time for an OWP extension application submitted online is approximately 148 days, while the processing time for a paper application is approximately 25 days. However, processing times are subject to change, and it is always best to check the most up-to-date information on the IRCC website.

Frequently Asked Questions: Open Work Permits

1. What are the advantages of having an Open Work Permit?

Holding an open work permit is beneficial because it allows you to work for any employer or occupation. You can then gain valuable Canadian work experience and use it to apply for permanent residence shortly after.

OWPs can also help individuals gain Canadian work experience, which can be valuable when applying for permanent residency or other types of work permits.

2. What are the disadvantages of having an OWP?

One disadvantage of having an Open Work Permit is that it may not lead to permanent residency on its own. OWPs are temporary work permits, and individuals who wish to stay in Canada permanently may need to explore other immigration options. Additionally, OWPs may not provide the same benefits and protections as other types of work permits, such as those that are employer-specific.

3. Can I study while on an OWP?

Yes, individuals who hold an Open Work Permit are typically allowed to study in Canada, subject to certain conditions.

4. Can I switch to a different type of work permit while on an Open Work Permit?

Yes, it is possible to switch to a different type of work permit while on an Open Work Permit. However, the individual must still meet the eligibility requirements for the new type of work permit and must apply for the new permit before the OWP expires.

5. Can I apply for Permanent Residency while on an OWP?

Yes, it is possible to apply for Permanent Residency while on an Open Work Permit, but an OWP does not guarantee Permanent Residency. Individuals who wish to apply for Permanent Residency must meet the eligibility requirements for a Permanent Residency program and must submit an application.

SOWP Refusal Reasons

8 Reasons Why Your Spousal Open Work Permit Refused

Learn More About Post-Graduate Work Permit

Here is a Step-By-Step Guide on the Post-Graduate Work Permit.