Open Work Permits Lawyers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada offers Open Work Permits to only those who are eligible to apply for such. An open work permit is exactly as it sounds. The holder of an Open Work Permit is allowed to work for any Canadian employer, without any requirement to confirmed an offer of employment first. This makes life easier. The immigration lawyers at Kahane Law Office help secure your Canadian open work permit. Get the process started today!
NOTE: A new program for an open work permit for Hong Kong Residents now exists. Learn more here.
Factors In Getting An Open Work Permit
The first step to receiving a permit to work in Canada, involves determiner the best program to apply to. There are a number of factors that make a Foreign National eligible for an Open Work Permit. The factors used to determine eligibility for a permit include, for example:
Current Work Permit Holders with Approved Permanent Resident Status
Understanding your options is a key aspect of any application process. Many programs exist for people to apply when already in Canada. You may be eligible for an open work permit if you are already working in Canada and your application for permanent residence has been approved under one of the following:
- Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada class;
- Live-in Caregiver Program;
- Federal Skilled Worker Program;
- Canadian Experience Class;
- Provincial Nominee Program;
- Federal Skilled Trades Program; and lastly
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds.
You may also be eligible for an permit if you are a family member of someone whose application for permanent residence has been approved under one of the above.
Spouses Status as a Skilled Worker or Foreign Student
Consistent with the below examples, a spouse of a non-Canadian resident legally allowed to work in Canada often also prefers to work. You may be eligible for an open work permit if your spouse is:
- a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A or B ,
- a foreign student at a recognized Canadian educational institution.
Federal or Provincial Immigration Agreement Pilot Projects
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you are in Canada under a federal-provincial/territorial immigration agreement, including an active pilot project, or you are a spouse or dependent child of someone who is in Canada under a temporary foreign worker annex of a federal-provincial/territorial immigration agreement with an applicable pilot project.
Temporary Resident Permit Holders
The ability to attain a temporary resident permit under this heading is clearly beneficial. You may be eligible for a open work permit if you have a temporary resident permit valid for at least six months. As a reminder, if any permit expires soon, we advise moving quickly to avoid deportation.
Other Eligible Programs That Allow For Open Work Permits
There are other programs that allow for eligibility for a permit. These include the following two programs:
- The Canada World Youth Program; and, in addition the,
- International Experience Canada.
Applicant Seeking Refugee Protections
Refugees often require jobs to make ends meet as they often lack the ability to work when entering a new country. Once a claim is applied for, a refugees ability to work increases. Applicants who have filed a claim for refugee protection in Canada and:
- are waiting for the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to decide on your claim; and
- you cannot pay for your basic needs without working
may be eligible for an open work permit in Canada.
Rejected Refugee Application Claimants
Finding work as a refugee poses many challenges. Securing a permit that allows them to work is also a challenge. The Canadian government allows for open work permits in Canada when the refugee protection division has rejected your refugee claim:
- but the Government of Canada is not yet ready to remove you from the country; and
- you cannot pay for your basic needs without working.
Foreign Representative Family Members
Permits are made available for family members of a foreign representatives stationed in Canada. This allows for the family member to work while in Canada.
Foreign Military Family Members in Canada
When stationed in Canada, non-military family members often desire to contribute to the family and finances. Other times, they prefer to work to keep busy. Family members of foreign military members who are working in Canada may be eligible for an permit to work.
Professional Athletes in Canada
Open work permits can be available for professional athletes already allowed to enter Canada. The second requirement for this type of permit is that the athlete needs to do other work to support her or himself while playing for a Canadian team.
Open Work Permit Lawyers In Canada
Put forward the best initial application possible. Delays and increased costs occur when an application fails. Our entire immigration law team is available for you secure your open work permit. We have offices on opposite sides of Canada so our immigration lawyers are here when you need us. We put your best application forward to help ensure a successful outcome. If you have questions, email us directly here today for the quickest way to get an answer. If you want us to help you, call for free at 1-877-225-8817 today.