There are a lot of queries regarding Canadian Open Work Permit and many of the aspirants are still confused on basic questions. Here is a complete guide to Canadian Open Work Permit, including pros and cons and frequently asked questions.
First and foremost, it is to be clarified that all foreign nationals must have a work permit in order to work in Canada. Work permits combine a visa and a permit that are both awarded concurrently. There are multiple kinds of work permits, but most of the queries revolve around open work permit.
What exactly is a Canada Open Work Permit?
A work permit that is open to all jobs is called open work permit or an international mobility program for Canada. The Open Work Permit permits one to switch employers while the permit is still in effect. This is in contrast to other work permits, which are only effective with a single employer.
If one is applying as a temporary foreign worker, one may work in Canada for as long as six months. You are allowed to switch employers during this time as long as your new employer is recognised by the Canadian government and isn’t engaged in illegal activities.
Another advantage of the Open Work Permit is that it exempts you from providing the following data:
- A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) report that would be required by your employer;
- Any evidence that your employer has paid the employer compliance fee or offered an offer to you through the Employer Portal;
What are the types of Open Work Permits?
There are several conditions under which you can get an Open Work Permit. It may be completely unrestricted or have some restrictions as the Canadian Consulate sees fit. In general, there are 3 types of Open Work Permits:
· Unrestricted work permits allow you to change employers, occupation, and the location of work
· Restricted work permits allow you to change employer but you have to stick to the occupation
· Restricted work permits which allow you to change employer but the location of work should stay the same
The Canadian Consulate has a say in granting you the type of work permit.
What Do I require for the Canada Open Work Permit?
To be eligible for an open work permit, one must meet several sets of criteria. You can only apply for an Open Work Permit if you are in one of the following groups:
· A temporary resident permit holder.
· An international student who has graduated from a Canadian educational institute and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
· A student who is unable to afford the cost of studies.
· A person who has applied for permanent residence in Canada.
· A family member of a person who has applied for permanent residence in Canada.
· A spouse or common-law partner of an international student or skilled worker.
· A refugee, protected person, refugee claimant, or a family member.
· A young worker in special programs.
Moreover, as a temporary worker, you must meet the eligibility criteria of the Temporary Visa in order to get the Open Work Permit. In addition, you must also fulfill the following requirements:
· You must prove that you will leave Canada after expiry of work permit
· You must prove that you can finance your stay and your family’s stay in Canada and that you have sufficient funds to go back to your home country
· You must prove that you have a clean criminal record
· You must prove that you are not a threat to the national security of Canada;
· You must be in good health;
· You must be willing to abide by the conditions of your open work permit even if the officer issues a restricted one
· You must prove that you will not work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, erotic massage, or escort services
· You can also apply for an extension of the Open Work Permit or for your first Open Work Permit from within Canada if you meet these requirements:
· You have a Canadian study permit or an open work permit that will expire soon
· You have a degree from a Canadian educational institution
· You are a temporary resident of Canada
· You are awaiting the decision on your application for refugee status
· You already have refugee or protected person status
· Your application to get refugee status was denied but you cannot leave Canada for reasons beyond your control
How to apply for an Open Work Permit?
Let’s move on to the million dollar question as to how one can apply for the Open Work Permit. The Open Work Permit application process has multiple steps which you must go through, as under:
Get a job offer
You must have secured a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in order to qualify for a work permit application. Because of this condition, you have to take steps in time and to apply to different companies and oppurtunities. You can apply through different online resources or sign up for any services for a varying fee which will find you a job.
Once you have the job and get the open work permit, you will have the chance to switch employers, but for sending an Open Work Permit application, you will need the job.
Apply for the visa and work permit
If you meet all the requirements including a job offer from a Canadian firm, you can apply for the visa and the work permit. The application must be routed through the Canadian Consulate in your home country. You must go through the following steps:
· Create an account using your credentials online or submit an application in hard form.
· Submit the application form which includes:
IMM 1295 – Application for Work Permit made outside of Canada
Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa
IMM 5645 – Family Information Form
IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable);
IMM 5476 – Use of Representative Form (if applicable);
IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (if applicable).
You might have to submit some supporting documents as well which include:
· Your passport which must be valid for more than 6 months after your planned date of arrival in Canada
· A photocopy of your passport and all its pages
· Two photos as per the Photo Requirements
· Valid job offer from your employer
· Proof of current immigration status (if your country of residence is different from your country of citizenship);
· Police record certificates
· Your resume or CV
· Your education diplomas and certificates
· Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
· Copy of children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
· In case, if you will be working in Quebec, you need a Certificate d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ).
· The Consulate might need additional documents which will have to be provided
It is best that medical examination should be done to ‘prove that you have sound health. You can do so at any licensed doctor which can sign the documents for you after you go through the necessary medical tests. It is to be mentioned that if you do not have a medical exam, you will not be allowed to work in child care, primary or secondary school teaching, health service occupations, or agriculture related occupations. In case you don’t want to limit your choices of jobs, it is advisable to complete the medical exam.
As far as the visa interview is concerned, it is stated that the officials of the Canadian Consulate might want to interview you to determine that you will return to your home country upon expiry of open work permit and that you have stated correct information in your application. You should never miss the interview and must answer any questions that the Consulate asks. The Consulate might also ask for your biometric verification which has to be complied with as well.
When you submit the application, documents, medical examination records, and complete the interview, you will then wait for processing of your application. The Open Work Permit Canada processing time can be from 3 to 27 weeks depending on your country of citizenship besides other factors. After this time passes, you will get a decision from the Canadian Consulate.
Travel to Canada
If you have been granted Open Work Permit by the Canadian Government, you can make travel and accommodation arrangements accordingly. When you land in Canada, you will be checked by the authorities including the Port of Entry (PoE) officers. You might be asked about your documents and about your purpose of visit and your duration of stay. It must be kept in mind that all the documents requested by the authorities should be provided and accurate information should be given.
What are the Open Work Permit Fees?
The Open Work Permit is slightly expensive than an employer specific work permit and you will have to pay an initial work permit application fee of CAD$155 and an Open Work Permit fee of CAD$100. In total this type of work permit will cost CAD$255.
Can I bring my dependents to Canada with an Open Work Permit?
Congratulations! you are permitted to bring your spouse or common law partner and minor children with you to Canada on an open permit. You must also include their documents in your application.
After your arrival in Canada, your spouse or common law partner can also apply as an Open Work Permit Canada spouse after passing the eligibility criteria.