Language selection

Search

Help Centre what do you need help with?

What is an open work permit?

An open work permit lets you work for any employer, except for one that either

Open work permits are not job-specific, so your employer doesn’t need

  • a labour market impact assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada
  • proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee

In most cases, you will have to pay the open work permit holder fee at the same time that you pay the work permit fee. Check the fee list for the most up-to-date application fees.

Open work permit restrictions

You may have restrictions listed on your open work permit. Restrictions can include things like

  • the type of job you can hold
    • Example: You may need a medical exam to work in some jobs.
  • the location you can work
    • Example: If you have an open work permit under the provincial nominee class, you may only be able to work in a specific province.

If you have a restricted open work permit, your restrictions will be listed on your work permit.

See also: How do I remove medical conditions from my open work permit?

Did you find what you were looking for?

What was wrong?

You will not receive a reply. Telephone numbers and email addresses will be removed.
Maximum 300 characters

Thank you for your feedback


Help tool

Create an account or sign in

Help tool

  • Come to Canada

How to video

Form and guide

Glossary term

Date modified: