Want to work in Canada? Open Work Permit Your key to working in Canada

An Open Work Permit in Canada, also called an International Mobility Programme, is special for people from other countries.

It’s different from regular work permits because it lets you work for different bosses all over Canada. This permit is really helpful for Temporary Foreign Workers.

They can work in Canada for up to six months and change bosses if they follow the rules set by the government, as .com explains.

Features of Open Work Permit

One cool thing about the Open Work Permit is how easy it is to apply. You don’t need to:

• Get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from possible bosses.
• Show proof of a job offer through the Employer Portal or confirm the boss paid the fee.

Kinds of Open Work Permits Open Work Permits have different types, each with its own rules:

• Free permits: You can change bosses, jobs, and where you work whenever you want.
• Job-limited permits: You can switch bosses but not job types.
• Location-limited permits: You can change bosses, but you must work in certain areas.

What type of Open Work Permit you get depends on what the Canadian Consulate decides based on your application details.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Open Work Permit, you must fit into certain groups, like:

• People with temporary resident permits.
• Those who recently finished school in Canada and can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
• Students who have trouble paying for school.
• People applying to live in Canada permanently or their family.
• Partners of students or skilled workers from other countries.
• Refugees, protected people, and similar.
• Young people in special programs

Also, temporary workers need to show more things like planning to leave Canada when their permit ends, being able to support themselves financially, having no criminal record, being healthy, and following the rules of their permit, which might include not working in certain adult jobs.

Application and Extension Process

You can apply for or extend an Open Work Permit in Canada if:

• Your study or Open Work Permit is about to expire soon.
• You recently graduated from a Canadian school.
• You’re a temporary resident, refugee, or protected person.
• You’re waiting for a decision on your refugee status or can’t leave Canada because of special circumstances.

This permit doesn’t just make it easier for people to find work in Canada, it also shows how Canada welcomes and keeps talented people from around the world.

How to get Open Work Permit in Canada: A step-by-step guide

Here’s how to get an Open Work Permit in Canada, step by step:

1. Find a job: Start looking early by checking online job sites or using headhunting services, which might charge a fee but can help you find suitable work.
2. Apply for your permit: Once you have a job offer, apply for your visa and work permit through the Canadian Consulate in your home country. Here’s what you need to do:

a. Submit your application: You can apply online on the Government of Canada website or submit a paper application. For online applications, you’ll need your credentials or bank account info.

b. Fill out forms: Complete the necessary application forms, such as IMM 1295 for work permits outside Canada, Schedule 1 for Temporary Resident Visa, IMM 5645 for Family Information, and any additional forms that apply to your situation.

c. Provide supporting documents: Include essential documents like your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond entry), passport copies, required photos, your job offer, and other documents listed in the requirements.

d. Medical exam: You may need to undergo a medical examination by a licensed doctor to ensure you’re in good health, especially if your job requires it.

e. Visa interview: Attend a visa interview at the Canadian Consulate and provide biometric information if needed.

3. Wait for processing: After submitting your application and attending the interview, it can take anywhere from 3 to 27 weeks for your application to be processed, depending on your citizenship.
4. Arrive in Canada: Once your permit is approved, arrange your travel and accommodation in Canada. Be ready for checks by Port of Entry officers who will verify your documents and reasons for coming to Canada.
5. Pay the fees: The Open Work Permit application costs CAD$155 ($113.22), and there’s an additional CAD$100 ($73.04) fee for the permit itself, making a total of CAD$255 (186.26)

If you’re moving to Canada, your spouse, common-law partner, and kids under 18 can come with you. Make sure their documents are included when you apply, so they can be evaluated too.

Later on, your spouse or partner can apply for their own Open Work Permit if they qualify