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Open Work Permit

SIIS Canada  /  Canada Immigration  /  Work  /  Open Work Permit

Open Work Permit

What is an open work permit

An open work permit is like a special pass to work legally in Canada. Unlike most work permits, this one doesn’t restrict you to a specific company or job. With an open permit, you can choose which employer you want to work for and even switch between jobs if you find a better one. It’s great for people who are flexible and want to explore different work options in Canada. Just remember, it won’t allow you to work at certain places like massage parlors, and there might be other limitations depending on the situation.

Open work permit lies under the following categories:

  • An international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
  • A student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student).
  • Have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada.
  • An applicant had applied for permanent residence in Canada.
  • Applicants are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.
  • Applicants are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student or an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
  • Applicants are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member or under an unenforceable removal order.
  • Applicant is a temporary resident permit holder or a young worker participating in special programs.

Benefits of an Open Work Permit

Open work permits are highly sought after for the freedom they give their holders. People really want open work permits because they give their users a lot of freedom. If a foreigner has an open work permit, they can work for any employer in Canada and can choose where they want to work. Most work permits are tied to a specific job. A lot of foreigners will be better able to get permanent residency in Canada if they work in Canada. As foreigners get more job experience in Canada, they can check to see if they are eligible for any of the following ways to become permanent residents:

How long does it take to get a work permit?

Obtaining a work permit is a crucial step towards starting your new position abroad. The wait time for a work permit can vary quite a bit depending on several factors.

Here’s a breakdown to give you a better idea:

  • Country: Different countries have different processing times. It typically takes anywhere between a few weeks to several months.
  • Work permit type: There can be various types of work permits, each with its own processing timelines.
  • Your situation: Where you're applying from (outside the country or already there) can also affect processing speed. Some countries might prioritize applications from within their borders.
  • Completeness of your application: Make sure you submit all the required documents correctly. Incomplete applications can cause delays.

Here’s a helpful tip: Many countries publish information about work permit processing times online. You can find this information on the official government immigration website of the country you’re interested in working in. Search for something like “[country name] immigration work permit processing time”. This will give you the most up-to-date wait times specific to your situation.

Can we extend open work permit in Canada?

Absolutely! Extending your open work permit in Canada is possible, but there are some key points. Firstly, ensure you still qualify for open work permit holder status in Canada. Secondly, submit your extension application at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

But there are some things to consider:

  • Eligibility: You must still be eligible to work in Canada with an open work permit. This typically means having a job offer or meeting specific program requirements.
  • Application Window: It’s crucial to apply to extend your permit at least 30 days before the current one expires.
  • Online Application: In most cases, you can apply to extend your work permit.

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