There’s a specific employment location on my open work permit. Can I work somewhere else?
It depends on where the employment location information is on your work permit and, in some cases, the type of open work permit you applied for.
If the employment location is under “Additional Information”
You can work in any location across Canada if
- the employment location is under “Additional Information”, and
- your work permit is not related to
- a provincial nomination
- a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ])
In this case, you don’t need to apply to change your work permit.
Figure 1. The “Employment Location” information is found under the “Additional Information” section in this sample work permit.
If you’re an open work permit holder through a provincial nomination or a CSQ
You must work in the location listed under “Employment Location” in the “Additional Information” section. The employment location must be the province or territory where you’ll be working.
In most cases, there should be a location condition under either the “Conditions” or “Remarks/observations” section that says, “Not authorized to work in any location other than stated”. If this isn’t written out, you must still work in the stated “Employment Location” only.
If the employment location is under either “Conditions” or “Remarks/observations”
You must only work at the location on your permit. You must apply to change the conditions of your work permit if you want to work in a different location. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new work permit from within Canada. Select “Within Canada” to find out how you can apply for your new permit. Include a letter explaining why you need the condition removed from your work permit with your application.
Figure 2. The “Employment Location” information is found under the “Conditions” section in this sample work permit.
If you’re an open work permit holder through a provincial nomination or a CSQ
You must work in the location listed under “Employment Location” in the “Additional Information” section. The employment location must be the province or territory where you’ll be working.
In most cases, there should be a location condition under either the “Conditions” or “Remarks/observations” section that says, “Not authorized to work in any location other than stated”. If this isn’t written out, you must still work in the stated “Employment Location” only.
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