Canada Open Permit: Application, Everything You Need to Know

Discover everything about the Canada Open Work Permit – eligibility, application process, costs, and benefits. Learn how to work in Canada, bring your family, and explore permanent residency options.

Are you dreaming of building a career in one of the world’s most welcoming countries? Canada continues to be a top destination for skilled international workers – and for good reason. With over 1 million job vacancies, flexible immigration programs, and high average salaries, Canada is calling professionals from across the globe to join its diverse workforce.

In 2022 alone, Canada issued more than 600,000 work permits, offering a gateway for countless individuals and families to settle, work, and thrive in a vibrant economy. From open work permits that let you work for any employer to employer-specific options backed by LMIA, Canada provides multiple avenues for you to secure legal employment.

This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about the Canada Open Work Permit and other work visa options, including eligibility, application steps, costs, and how to transition to permanent residency.

Why Choose a Canada Work Visa?

Canada’s labour market is booming, and the country is actively seeking foreign talent to fill skill shortages across sectors. Here’s why the Canadian Work Permit is an appealing option:

• Over 1 million job vacancies across various sectors

• 600,000+ Canada work permits issued annually

• Average annual salary of CAD 50,000 to CAD 60,000

• Progressive work policies for skilled international workers

• 40-hour work weeks with a healthy work-life balance

• 25 paid leave days each year

• 7.5% increase in average hourly salaries recently

Canada’s immigration-friendly stance, stable economy, and excellent quality of life make it one of the best places to work and eventually settle.

What is a Canada Work Permit?

A Canada Work Permit is an authorization that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific period. Generally, applicants must first secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer before applying for a work permit. In many cases, employers must also obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This document confirms that hiring a foreign worker is necessary due to a lack of suitable Canadian candidates.

An open work permit, however, offers more flexibility as it is not tied to a specific employer and is ideal for spouses of skilled workers or international graduates.

Canada Work Visa for International Workers

Canada is a hub for international talent. For those who want to gain valuable work experience abroad or eventually immigrate permanently, a Canada Work Permit Visa is often the first step.

Many skilled professionals start with a work permit and then transition to Permanent Residency (PR) through pathways like the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). With expert guidance and thorough planning, your Canadian dream can become a reality.

Open Work Permit Requirements

To successfully apply for a work permit, you need to submit several forms and supporting documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These include identity documents, proof of job offer, employer compliance documents, and more.

Required Forms:

• IMM 1295 – Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada

• IMM 5707 – Family Information

• IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union

• IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative

• IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Info

• IMM 5802 – Offer of Employment (if LMIA-exempt)

Required Documents:

• Proof of fee payment

• Valid passport photocopy

• Passport-size photographs

• Current immigration status proof

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• LMIA document

• Employer compliance fee receipt

• Québec Acceptance Certificate (if applicable)

• Academic and professional credentials

• Proof of previous employment

• Additional documents depending on visa type

Canada Work Permit Eligibility

Not everyone qualifies for a Canada Work Permit. There are clear criteria you must meet to be eligible:

• You must be below 45 years old

• Hold a valid job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA

• Have at least 2 years of skilled work experience

• Your occupation must fall under the TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories of the NOC system

• Must be able to demonstrate your ability to perform the job and meet all conditions of the permit

Meeting these minimum requirements increases your chances of approval significantly.

Canada Work Permit Application Process: Step-by-Step

Securing a work permit for Canada can be a detailed process, but breaking it into steps helps simplify your journey:

1. Identify your NOC code to align with a suitable immigration stream

2. Choose the right immigration program (e.g., Express Entry, PNP, AIPP)

3. Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

4. Gather required documentation, including proof of education and experience

5. Complete the application for your work visa online

6. Attend biometrics & medicals if requested

7. Wait for application processing

8. Receive your work permit once approved

9. Travel and settle in Canada

10. Move to Canada and Explore PR Options

Read more on https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/apply.html

Each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring your application is smooth and successful.

Canada Work Permit Processing Time

The average processing time for a Canada Work Permit ranges from 3 to 4 months, though this may vary based on the applicant’s country of residence, visa type, and application completeness.

The good news? Canada also offers family-friendly provisions! You can bring your spouse and children under dependent permits. Your spouse may also be eligible for an Open Work Permit, while children can attend Canadian schools without needing a study visa.

Canada Work Visa Costs and Fees

Below is a breakdown of the applicable fees for various work visa options:

In-Demand Jobs in Canada for International Workers

Canada’s job market is brimming with opportunities for international talent. The following professions are currently in high demand and offer competitive salaries:

These roles span multiple industries such as tech, finance, engineering, and customer service, making them ideal for skilled foreign professionals.

Types of Canada Work Permits

Canada offers several types of work permits, tailored to various professional and personal situations. These include:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

• Intra-Company Transfers

• LMIA-Required and LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

• International Experience Canada (IEC)

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

• Open Work Permits

Each type comes with unique eligibility requirements. Among these, the Open Work Permit is one of the most flexible options, especially for spouses, international graduates, and workers in bridging programs.

Who’s Canada Open Work Permit Suitable For?

An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with a few exceptions) without needing an LMIA or a specific job offer beforehand. It’s ideal for:

• Spouses of skilled workers and international students

• Graduates applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• Participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program

• Holders of a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) who are transitioning to PR

Conditions for Eligibility:

• Sufficient financial support for yourself and dependents

• No criminal record

• Sound health and willingness to take a medical exam if needed

• Willingness to abide by the conditions of the permit

• Meet biometrics, insurance, and language skill requirements

IEC Canada Program

International Experience Canada (IEC) offers young adults the chance to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. There are three categories under the program:

• Working Holiday: Open work permit with freedom to work anywhere in Canada

• Young Professionals: Employer-specific permit for career development

• International Co-op (Internship): Targeted at students for hands-on industry experience

This program is especially popular among applicants from countries that have youth mobility agreements with Canada.

Benefits of the Canada Work Permit Visa

Working in Canada comes with a wealth of advantages:

• Legal authorization to work in Canada

• Opportunity to bring your family

• Access to Canada’s healthcare system

• Pathway to Permanent Residency

• Flexibility to travel within Canada

• Invest in your home country and earn in CAD

• Long-term social and retirement benefits

Conclusion

Canada remains a top choice for professionals worldwide, thanks to its strong economy, immigrant-friendly policies, and high quality of life. Whether you’re applying for a job-specific permit or an open work permit, understanding the requirements and following the right steps can make your Canadian dream a reality.

By planning ahead and submitting a thorough application, you’ll be well on your way to building a future in the Great White North.

FAQs about Canada Open Work Permit

Can I apply for jobs in Canada without an LMIA?
Yes, but only under specific LMIA-exempt categories such as open work permits, IEC, or certain international agreements.

Can I bring my family on a Canada work permit?
Yes. Spouses may apply for an open work permit, and children can study in Canada without a separate study permit.

Is PR possible while on a work permit in Canada?
Absolutely. Many immigrants apply for PR through Express Entry or PNP after gaining Canadian work experience.

Do I need a job offer to apply for an open work permit?
No. Open work permits do not require a specific job offer.

Can I work for any employer with an open work permit?
Yes, except for employers listed as ineligible on the Canadian government website.