Open Work Permit: Canada

An open work permit allows an individual to come work in Canada without first having a specific job offer. Because it is a not job specific, you are not required to fulfill some of the same requirements as individuals with other work permits. This includes not needing the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or proof of an offer of employment from an employer who paid a compliance fee. The option of an open work permit is not open to everyone, however.

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:
• are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institutionand are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• are a student who's no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)
• have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your jobin Canada
• applied for permanent residence in Canada
• are a dependent family memberof someone who applied for permanent residence
• are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
• are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
• are under an unenforceable removal order
• are a temporary resident permit holder
• are a young worker participating in special programs