Open Work Permit for Canada: differences from a regular work permit, what benefits, who can get it, fees when submitting documents.
Work Permit is a permit to work in Canada. Depending on the situation, you can get different types of Work Permit. Below we will look at one of the most popular – Open Work Permit.
What is Open Work Permit
Open Work Permit is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada except:
- those on the ineligible list ;
- those who regularly offer striptease, erotic dancing, escort services or erotic massage.
This means that when you apply, you will not need a copy of the LMIA , the document that allows you to hire foreign workers. Therefore, the employer will not need to go through the rather complex and lengthy process of obtaining an LMIA. It is largely because of this document that it is so difficult to find work in Canada.
In addition, to receive an Open Work Permit, you do not need to have an invitation to work. That is, you can get an OWP, enter Canada and look for an employer there.
Read more about ways to find work in Canada and professions in demand now .
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Types of Open Work Permit
There are 2 types of open work permits:
- Unrestricted.
Allows you to work in any profession and anywhere in Canada.
- Restricted.
Certain restrictions on the scope of activity and location.
- restrictions on the scope of activity may be related to the applicant’s health status;
- There may be location restrictions, for example when you are obtaining a work permit under a provincial program.
Who can apply for an Open Work Permit
It is worth understanding that you cannot apply for an open work permit without reason. You can get OWP in the following situations:
- you have graduated from a suitable educational institution in Canada and are entitled to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (permission to work in Canada after successful completion of your studies);
- you have applied for permanent residence in Canada ;
- your spouse or civil partner has applied for permanent residence in Canada;
- your spouse or common-law partner works in a skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) in Canada;
- your spouse or civil partner is studying full-time at a Canadian educational institution;
- your spouse or civil partner has applied for the Atlantic Immigration Programme .
Fees for Open Work Permit
Not taking into account biometrics and other possible expenses for preparing documents, you will need to pay:
- 100 CAD for Open Permit holder;
- 155 CAD for issuing a Work Permit.
Is it possible to travel to Canada now using OWP?
Yes. Apart from standard coronavirus restrictions, there are no additional ones for Russians. Read more in the article: how to enter Canada in 2024 .