What is an open work permit?

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

is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
- You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

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.