The Canadian government has announced a new policy that allows people in the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) to apply for open work permits.
This policy, which started on August 11, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2024, gives PNP applicants the chance to work anywhere in Canada while they wait for their permanent residency.
According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), an open work permit allows individuals to work for any employer in Canada, except for those on the list of ineligible employers. This list includes employers who do not follow certain rules or offer jobs related to striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
Applicants should know that open work permits are not job-specific. This means employers do not need to provide a labour market impact assessment or submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal.
Applicants must pay the open work permit holder fee along with the work permit fee, and they should check the latest fee details on IRCC’s website.
There may be some restrictions on open work permits, such as the type of job or location where you can work. For example, some jobs may require a medical exam, or applicants may only be allowed to work in certain provinces.
To be eligible for an open work permit, you must meet specific conditions. These conditions include being a student who graduated from a designated learning institution, a worker facing abuse at their job, or a family member of someone applying for permanent residence.
Other groups that may qualify include refugees, spouses of workers or students, and temporary residents with certain permits.
For those interested, applicants must either have a valid work permit or have applied for a renewal or extension. The new policy applies to individuals whose work permits expired on or after May 7, 2024, and those who have applied for a new permit with a support letter from their province or territory.
To apply for the open work permit, applicants need to complete the application form, submit a support letter from their province, and attach a letter of employment from their current or future employer. This letter should include job details like the job title, salary, and duration of employment.
The introduction of open work permits for PNP applicants is a positive step in helping immigrants in Canada. This policy aims to offer flexibility and job security, benefiting both the applicants and Canada’s economy.
