Open Work Permits

Most work permits are employer specific and require the support of an employer in Canada, either under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program. However, there are a limited number of open work permit options for eligible foreign nationals. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer anywhere in Canada.

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What you need to know

Open Work Permits

Quick Resources

Renewing your SIN

Find the National Occupational Classification (NOC)

NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Concordance Table

Maintained/Implied Status

Application Tracker

What is an open work permit?

An open work permit is a great way to gain the Canadian work experience you need to be eligible for permanent residence. It allows a foreign national to work for any employer anywhere in Canada.

If you are considering applying for permanent residence, ensure that your Canadian work experience is in an occupation and location that will increase your chance of success in later applying for permanent residency. For example, only TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 positions (formerly NOC 00, 0, A or B) are eligible for CRS points for work experience under Express Entry.

A foreign national with an open work permit is not eligible for CRS points for having a "job offer" under Express Entry unless they also have a valid LMIA.

What Employers Need to Know

We can advise you whether your prospective foreign hires may be eligible for an open work permit.

Foreign nationals with an open work permit are not subject to the median prevailing wage requirement, nor do they need to be included in the "cap" for low-wage LMIAs.

How can Lighthouse Immigration Law help?

It isn’t always easy to know whether you or your prospective hires are eligible for an open work permit. We will offer tailored advice on your situation.

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