Can I Apply Open Work Permit In Canada

Canada is one of the best countries in the world that welcomes immigrants. One of the immigration opportunities that are offered to foreigners is the Open Work Permit. An open work permit allows a foreign national to work as a temporary resident in Canada until they get their PR status or apply for a permanent residency.

Can I Apply Open Work Permit In Canada

Applying for a work permit in canada? No doubt you’ve been searching the internet for information about the open work permit. Well today’s your lucky day because here I am going to tell you all about the open work permit in Canada.

Theoretically, there is no restriction of employment. EU and EEA citizens are allowed to work in Canada. However, before you receive a work permit and start working, it is necessary for the prospective employer to contact the Canadian government​ about a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Reasons for Obtaining Work Permit

What are the types of Open Work Permits?

There are different 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 which allow you to change employers, occupation, and the location of work;
• Restricted work permits which allow you to change employer but do not allow you to change your occupation;
• Restricted work permits which allow you to change employer but do not allow you to change the location of work;

The decision on what type of open work permit to issue you is up to the officer at the Canadian Consulate based on the documents that you submit when you apply.

What are the requirements for the Canada Open Work Permit?

To be eligible for an open work permit, you must fulfill several sets of criteria. One of the sets of requirements is on your situation as to whether you can apply for the permit or not. 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 education institution and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
• A student who cannot afford the cost of their 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.

As a temporary worker, you must meet the eligibility criteria of the Temporary Visa in order to qualify for the Open Work Permit. In addition, you must also fulfill the following requirements:

• You must prove that you will leave Canada after your work permit expires;
• You must prove that you can finance your stay and your family’s stay in Canada and that you have enough 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 respect 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 inside 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 education 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?

The Open Work Permit application process has several steps which you must go through, as follows:

Get a job offer

You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to qualify for a work permit application. Because of this, you have to start early and apply to different companies. You can apply through different online resources or sign up for any headhunting services which for a small fee 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 in order to be able to send an Open Work Permit application, you will need the job.

Apply for the visa and work permit

If you meet all the requirements and have a job offer from a Canadian employer, then you can apply for the visa and the work permit. The application must be done through the Canadian Consulate in your home country. You must go through the following steps:

• Create an account or submit a paper application – you have the option of applying online through the Government of Canada website using your credentials or your bank account information. Otherwise, you can apply by sending in your documents as hard copies.

Submit the application forms which include:

• 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);

Submit supporting documents which include:

• Your passport which must be valid for more than 6 months after your planned date of entry into 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;