An open work permit is a type of work permit that allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, except for those listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with certain conditions or those who regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages. Open work permits are not job-specific, so the employer doesnt need to provide a labor market impact assessment or proof of an offer of employment. However, there are restrictions that may be listed on the open work permit, such as the type of job or location where the holder can work.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the following individuals may be eligible for an open work permit:
- International students who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
- Students who are no longer able to meet the costs of their studies (destitute student)
- Individuals who have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to their job in Canada
- Dependent family members of someone who applied for permanent residence
- Spouses, common-law partners, or dependent children of a low- or high-skilled worker
- Spouses or common-law partners of an international student
- Spouses or common-law partners of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program
- Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, or their family members
- Individuals under an unenforceable removal order
- Temporary resident permit holders
- Young workers participating in special programs
- Individuals in Canada and being sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or accompanying dependent child
Its important to note that in each of these situations, additional criteria must be met to be eligible for an open work permit.
