What is an Open Work Permit and how to get it?

An Open Work Permit (OWP) is a type of work permit in Canada that allows foreign nationals to work for any employer in the country, except for those who do not meet the conditions for obtaining a permit. This means that the OWP holder is not tied to a specific employer and can change jobs without having to obtain a new permit. It was the Open Work Permit that was issued to Ukrainians who came to Canada under the CUAET program.

Types of Open Work Permit

There are several categories of OWP:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is issued to international students who have completed their studies at accredited Canadian educational institutions so that they can work in Canada. The duration of this permit can vary from 8 months to 3 years depending on the length of the study program.
  • The Spousal Open Work Permit is available for spouses or partners of individuals who have a work or study permit in Canada.
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) is a special program that allows young people from certain countries to work in Canada on the basis of exchange agreements.
  • Persons who have applied for Refugee Protection can obtain an OWP during the processing of their case.

How do I get an Open Work Permit?

Before applying for an OWP, it is important to check whether you meet the requirements for obtaining this permit. For example, if you are planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must:

Prepare the documents

You will usually need:

  • Your passport, which must be valid for the entire period of your stay in Canada.
  • Passport-size photos that meet the requirements of the Canadian government.
  • If you are applying as a spouse or common-law partner, provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or joint tax return.
  • If you are a student, please include a copy of your study permit and proof of program completion.
  • In some cases, applicants are required to provide a job offer or employment information.
  • Depending on your country of residence or the type of work you will be doing, you may be required to undergo a medical examination. If you have already passed it, you can simply attach the result of the medical examination to your application.
  • Proof of your finances may also be required.

Submit your application

Applying for an open work permit is done online, which is very fast and convenient. You will need to create an account on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website and fill out the application form. If you are applying for a work permit and are located in Canada, you will need to fill out the IMM 5710 form. For those applying from abroad, you will need Form IMM 1295.

Pay the fees

When applying for an OWP, you will need to pay the appropriate fees. You will need a debit or credit card for this purpose. Usually, the payment includes two amounts:

  • work permit fee ($155)
  • open work permit holder fee ($100)

Wait for the decision

After submitting your application, you need to wait for the decision. The processing time varies depending on the type of OWP and other factors. Check the status of your application through your IRCC account. If the decision is positive, you will receive a work permit by mail to the address provided.