What is an open work permit?

Any work permit that is not job-specific is called an open work permit, therefore the following is not required with an open work permit application:

• Positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada.
• Proof that the employer has submitted an employment offer through the Employer Portal and paid the compliance fee.

In most cases, you will have to pay an open work permit holder fee along with the work permit fee.

You are a potential candidate for an open work permit if you:

• Are a graduated international student from any designated learning institutionand are qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• Are no longer able to meet the costs of your studies,
• Hold an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused about your jobin Canada
• Have applied for a permanent residency in Canada
• Are a family memberof someone who has applied for a permanent residency in Canada
• Are a partner or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student in Canada
• Are a partner or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program in Canada
• Are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their spouse/partner
• Are you under an unenforceable removal order
• Are a temporary Canada residence permit holder
• Are a young employee taking part in special programs in Canada

Note that you must fulfill some additional criteria for eligibility in all the above cases.