What Type of Work Permits Does Canada Have?

Here are the two types of work permits Canada has to offer. Depending on your qualifications and occupation your job may fall under two different categories of work permits.

There are two main types of work permits, 

1. Open work permit 

2. Closed employer Specific Work permit

 

What is An Open Work Permit?

An open work permit is issued by the Immigration Office to immigrants who wish to work for any employer for a certain amount of time.

There are two subcategories for Open Work Permits (OWP), Unrestricted and Restricted Permits. The main difference between the two is that Unrestricted Permits allow you to work in any occupation and location, while the Restricted does not. The Restricted Permit allows you to work in a specific job and thus does give you as much freedom of movement to work in different areas of Canada.

 

What Visa Programs Use Open Work Permits?

Some of the types of work permits Canada considers to be OWP are the:

• Temporary Work Permits for Spouses or Partners;

• Post Graduation Work Permit;

• Temporary Resident Permit;

• World Youth Program Permit;

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Spousal Permit;

• Regular Open Work Permit; and

• Bridging Open Work Permit

•  

Canada also has several visa programs that use Open Work Permits these are the:

• Working Holiday Visa;

• Young Professionals Visa;

• International Experience Canada;

• Federal Skilled Worker Program;

• Canadian Experience Class;

• Federal Skilled Trades Program;

• Provincial Nominee Program; and

• International Co-Op Program

•  

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

This is a special work permit that lets you work in Canada while you wait for your permanent resident application results. Normally, you can qualify for this specific permit if you have applied under any of the following permanent residence programs.

Programs That Let You Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit:

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs);

Federal Skilled Trades Class;

Canadian Experience Class;

Caring for Children Class; or

Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class