Open Work Permit

An Open Work Permit allows a foreign national to work in Canada for any employer; except for an employer who:

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 may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

Are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Are a student who is no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)
Have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada
Have applied for permanent residence in Canada
Are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
Are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
Are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
Are under an unenforceable removal order
Are a temporary resident permit holder
Are a young worker participating in special programs, for example Working Holiday program

Note: In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.