Canada has been struggling with acute labor shortages for years, and the situation has become much worse over the course of the pandemic.
In fact, Canada announced an ambitious plan to welcome more than 1.3 million immigrants over the next three years to support its post-pandemic growth. Out of the many immigration pathways and work permits Canada has on offer, the Open Work Permit lets you move to the country without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer letter from an employer who has paid the compliance fee.
It allows you to work for any company or organization in Canada provided that they have not been listed ineligible by the government.
However, not everyone is eligible for an open work permit.
International students
In 2021, most LMIA-exempt work permits went to international graduates who were eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After graduation, international students can be eligible to work in Canada for up to three if they completed a full-time study program of at least two years in duration.
Spouses of skilled worker residents, foreign students, and other dependent family members
Spouses of permanent residents may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit if they are applying under inland sponsorship and living in Canada with their partner. Spouses of international students may be able to get an open work permit if they can demonstrate to the government that they are in a genuine relationship and that the international student is enrolled in an eligible program.
PR applicants
Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) allow people who have applied for permanent residence to remain in Canada while waiting for a decision on their application. The BOWP makes it so foreign nationals do not have to leave their jobs or the country if their temporary status expires before their permanent residence application is processed.
These programs are eligible for a BOWP:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Quebec Skilled Workers
- Agri-Food Pilot Program
You can bring your spouse or partner and minor children on an open work permit provided you include their documents in the application so that you can be evaluated as a family.
There are three kinds of open work permits:
- Unrestricted open work permit: You can go to Canada and work there on any job for any employer and at any place.
- Occupation restricted open work permit: You can work for any employer but the job is specified.
- Restricted work permit: You can change the employer but not the location of work.