Canada Open Work Permit Application – Beginner’s Guide

With its thriving economy, diversified culture, and hospitable immigration environment, Canada is a nation of opportunity. The Open Work Permit is one of the most adaptable alternatives available if you intend to work in Canada. With this permission, you can work for any Canadian employer without requiring a specific job offer.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the application procedure for a Canada Open Work Permit in this tutorial, making it simple for newcomers to grasp.

What is an Open Work Permit?

With the exception of companies that are marked as unsuitable on the government website or those that frequently provide services like striptease, exotic dances, escort services, or erotic massages, you can work for any business in Canada with an Open Work Permit. An Open Work Permit allows you to work for multiple businesses across Canada, unlike a specialized work permit that restricts you to working for just one company.

If specific situational requirements are met, people who have applied for permanent residence through a provincial economic class program may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

Types of Open Work Permits:

In Canada, there are various kinds of open work permits, each with unique requirements and restrictions.

Unrestricted Open Work Permit:

You can work for any employer in Canada, anywhere, and in nearly any kind of job with this kind of authorization. There are no particular limitations associated with the permit, so you have complete freedom to choose where and what you work.

Restricted Open Work Permit:

This kind of permit has some restrictions even though it is still an Open Work Permit. These limitations may be related to:

• Occupation: If you haven’t passed a medical exam, you might not be allowed to work in some occupations.
• Location: Depending on the conditions of your permit, you may only be able to work in a specific province or area.

Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit?

An Open Work Permit is not available to everyone. In general, it can be accessed by:

• spouses or common-law partners of foreign students or skilled workers in Canada.
• International students who are qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program after graduating from an accredited Canadian university. To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must have completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) and possess a valid study permit.
• applicants under certain immigration schemes for permanent residence in Canada.
• Protected Persons, refugees, asylum seekers, and their relatives.
• participants in youth exchange programs and other international agreements.

You can apply for an Open Work Permit if you fit into any of these categories.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Foreign Nationals

Make sure you are qualified for an Open Work Permit before beginning the application process. Examine the aforementioned eligibility conditions to see if you fit the bill.

If you’re applying as the spouse of an international student, for instance, be sure your spouse is enrolled full-time in a course of study at an accredited Canadian university. Make sure your program qualifies you for the Post-Graduation Work Permit if you’re an international student. To be eligible for a spousal work permit, spouses or common-law partners must have applied for permanent residence. This highlights the significance of obtaining acceptance in principle (AIP) prior to submitting a work permit application.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The next step is to collect the required paperwork for your application after you are certain of your eligibility. The following is a list of typical documents you could require:

• Passport: You must have a valid passport for the whole time you are visiting Canada.
• Images: Current, passport-sized images that adhere to Canadian government regulations.
• Proof of Relationship: You must submit documentation of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or a common-law declaration, if you are applying as a spouse or common-law partner.
• Study Permit: Provide a copy of your study permit and documentation attesting to your program completion if you are an international student.
• Job Offer or Employment Details: Some applicants may be asked to submit a job offer or employment details, though this is not always necessary.
• Results of the Medical Exam: You could be required to get a medical examination, depending on your country of residence or the kind of work you’ll be undertaking.
• Proof of Funds: Documentation attesting to your ability to sustain your family and yourself while in Canada.

Verify that all of your documentation are current and complete. Applications that are not complete may be rejected or delayed.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

An Open Work Permit can be applied for from outside of Canada or from within. Depending on where you’re coming from, the application procedure varies slightly.

1. Applying from Outside Canada:

• Online Application: Applying online is the most popular and advised approach. Make an account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal by going to the official Government of Canada website.
• Fill out the application: The IMM 1295 (Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada) is one of the forms you must complete. Be sure to provide accurate answers to every inquiry.
• Upload Documents: Scan and upload your passport, your pictures, your proof of relationship, and any other documents that are needed.
• Pay the Fees: A CAD 155 application fee is required for an Open Work Permit. If necessary, you could additionally have to pay an extra CAD 85 for biometrics.
• Send in Your Application: After everything is finished, send in your online application. A confirmation message with a tracking number to check the status of your application will be sent to you.

2. Applying from Inside Canada:

• Online Application: The IRCC webpage allows you to apply online from within Canada as well.
• Finish the Application Form: The IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker) form must be completed if you are already in Canada.
• Upload Documents: Just like with the process outside of Canada, upload all necessary documents.
• Pay the Fees: Whether you are applying from within or outside of Canada, the fees are the same.
• Send in Your Application: Send in your application and use the given tracking number to monitor it.

Step 4: Biometrics and Medical Examination (if required)

You could be required to submit biometrics (photos and fingerprints) after submitting your application. You will be given instructions on how to supply biometrics if they are needed. Usually, a designated biometric collecting facility or a visa application center can be used for this.

You will be given details on how to acquire a medical examination if one is required. To prevent delays in your application, be sure to do these tasks as soon as possible.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Depending on where you’re applying from and your unique situation, processing dates for an Open Work Permit can change. It may take a few weeks to several months on average. The website of the Government of Canada allows you to view the current processing times.

The IRCC might get in touch with you during this time to request more documents or information. In order to guarantee that your application proceeds without needless delays, swiftly respond to any requests.

Step 6: Receive Your Open Work Permit

If your application is accepted, you will receive the real Open Work Permit if you submitted from within Canada, or a letter of introduction if you applied from outside. In the event that you applied from outside of Canada, a border officer will grant your work permit once you show them the letter of introduction.

Details on the Open Work Permit’s validity, such as its start and end dates and any requirements you may have while working in Canada, will be included.

Step 7: Start Working in Canada

Well done! You can work for any qualified employer in Canada as soon as you have your Open Work Permit. If you intend to continue working in Canada, make sure you follow the terms stated in your work visa and always renew it before it expires.

Check More: Lastest Jobs in Canada for Temporary Foreign Workers

Fees and Processing Times:

The type of permit and the applicant’s location determine the fees for an open work permit in Canada. An open work permit now costs CAD 255, which comprises a processing charge of CAD 155 and an open work permit holder fee of CAD 100.

Depending on the type of permission and the applicant’s location, processing times for open work permits also differ. The necessary paperwork and supporting documentation vary depending on the applicant’s location, and applications may be submitted from within or outside of Canada. Completing the application entails paying the work permit processing charge as well as the open work permit holder fee and completing the designated form.

To guarantee that the permit is approved in time, it is important to apply as soon as possible because processing delays might take weeks or even months. Additionally, candidates can use the website of the Canadian government or monitor the status of their application online. A seamless application procedure can be ensured and needless delays can be avoided by keeping up with processing times and any additional requirements.

Tips for Canada Open Work Permit Application:

• Double-Check Your Application: Verify your application again to make sure all the necessary documents are included and that all the forms are completed accurately.
• Maintain Copies: For your records, make copies of every paperwork.
• Apply Early: Get started on the application process as soon as possible, particularly if you want to relocate to Canada shortly.
• Stay Updated: Monitor the status of your application and promptly reply to any further inquiries from the IRCC.

Frequently Asked Questions: