Canada Rolls Out Open Work Permits for Provincial Nominee Program Applicants

The Canadian government has introduced a new rule. It lets some people who applied for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) get open work permits.

This new rule starts on August 11, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2024. It lets people work anywhere in Canada while waiting to become permanent residents.

About Open-Work Visa:

An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). But there are exceptions. You can’t work for employers who:

• Are listed as bad employers who didn’t follow the rules.
• Offer jobs like striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

You can get an open work permit only in special situations. It’s not tied to a specific job, so your employer doesn’t need:

• A labour market impact assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada.
• Proof that they have sent an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the compliance fee.

Usually, you must pay the open work permit holder fee along with the work permit application fee. Check the fee list for updated information.

Open Work Permit Restrictions

Your open work permit may have restrictions. These restrictions can include things like:

• The type of job you can do.
• The place you can work.

For example, you might need a medical exam for some jobs. If you have an open work permit under the provincial nominee class, you may only be allowed to work in one province. Any restrictions you have will be written on your work permit.

Who Can Apply?

According to IRCC, you might get an open work permit if:

• You are an international student who graduated from a designated school and can join the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
• You are a student who cannot afford the cost of your studies anymore.
• You have an employer-specific work permit and are being treated unfairly or at risk of being treated unfairly at your job in Canada.
• You are a family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.
• You are the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of a low- or high-skilled worker.
• You are the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of an international student.
• You are the spouse or common-law partner of someone who joined the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program.
• You are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or a family member of one.
• You are under an unenforceable removal order.
• You have a temporary resident permit.
• You are being sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child in Canada.
• You are a Quebec investor who received a Quebec Notice of Intent to Select.

In each of these situations, you need to meet additional criteria to qualify.

Eligibility Criteria

According to TravelBiz, to be eligible for the open work permit, you must meet specific conditions:

1. You must have a valid work permit or have applied for a new permit and have a support letter from your province or territory.
2. Your work permit must expire on or after May 7, 2024, and you should have applied for renewal. Make sure to meet reinstatement requirements to avoid problems.
3. If you applied for an extension after May 7, 2024, and got approved, you can apply for the open work permit.

Application Process for the Open Work Permit

To apply for an open work permit, follow these steps:

1. Fill out the application form accurately with all your personal details.
2. Get a support letter from the provincial or territorial government that nominated you. This letter should confirm you are a nominee in good standing.
3. Attach a letter of offer from your current or future employer. This letter must detail the job title, duties, salary, and time frame of employment. It should be signed by an authorized company person.

By following these steps and ensuring your documents are complete, you can make your application process smooth and get job opportunities in Canada while waiting for permanent residency.

A Step Forward for Immigrants

This new rule for open work permits helps people coming to Canada as part of the PNP. It offers more flexibility and job security. This policy aims to make the lives of PNP candidates better and help Canada’s economy grow.