Open Work Permit For Students In Canada

I heard of this nice little term called “open work permit” and recognize that it’s not used a lot by Canadians. 

Canadian government offers an open work permit for students. An open work permit is a document that allows international students to work for any employer in Canada during the time of their studies at post-secondary institution without a separate work permit. In other words, the applicant does not need to be offered a job before the permit can be issued. Applicants with this kind of visa will carry both a study permit and an open work permit photo document showing the expiry date of their study permit and the expiry date of the document itself.

A foreign student who is enrolled at a designated learning institution in Canada may, upon completion of their course or program, be eligible for an open work permit that would allow them to find employment in Canada.

Open Work Permit For Students In Canada

Canada is one of the best countries to live in with its beautiful landscape, endless experiences and diversified culture. Canada is a nation blessed with many resources and has a booming economy. Hence, it is no surprise that Canada is one of the most preferred places to work by students, since there are a lot of opportunities waiting for them in Canada. Studying in Canadian educational institutions has also become easier over the years with the numerous scholarship and loan options available now.

If you are an international student bringing your spouse or partner with you to Canada, they may be eligible for an open work permit that will allow them to work on or off campus full-time while you study.

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. It allows your spouse or common-law partner to accept any job with any employer. If your spouse or partner gets an open work permit, it is normally valid for the same period as your study permits. In some cases, your spouse or common-law partner will need a medical exam.

Who is eligible? 
If you are an international student studying full-time and have a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit. Your spouse/partner will not require a job offer to apply, and his/her permit will be valid for the same period as your study permit.

When should you apply?
Your spouse/partner can apply for a work permit before or after they arrive in Canada. The work permit will usually be issued for the same length of time as your study permit. Your spouse/partner does not need a job offer to apply for a work permit.

In some cases, Canadian visa offices abroad will process spouse/partner work permit applications at the same time as study permit applications. In this case, you will need to include the additional fee for the work permit and complete the work permit application for your spouse/partner, available from the website of the consulate.

Most spouse/partners come to Canada as visitors first and apply for a work permit after they are in Canada. If your spouse or partner does not require a TRV, they may be able to apply for a work permit at the border or airport where they enter Canada.

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE

Step 1: Log into my IRCC through GCKey or Sign-in partner

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply for visitor visa or study/work permit’

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and gather supporting documentation

Step 4: Pay the application fee

 

Work Permit Conditions

Work permits issued by IRCC may be subject to restrictions. International students who were not required to undergo an immigration medical examination before coming to Canada may be subject to the following occupation/workplace restrictions that require an immigration medical examination:

• health care setting
• child care
• primary and secondary educational facilities

There is a complete list of occupations and Designated Medical Practitioners on the IRCC website.