Meet Rohan. He’s been working in Canada for a while, and his work permit is about to expire. He wants to continue working but isn’t sure what to do next. That’s when he hears about a special open work permit program for foreign workers who have a support letter from a Canadian province or territory.
What’s This Open Work Permit?
This open work permit (OWP) lets people like Rohan keep working without being tied to a specific employer. However, there’s a catch—it was only available for a limited time and is now closed for new applications. But don’t worry! Understanding the process can help you prepare for future opportunities.
Who Could Apply?
To be eligible, applicants needed to meet these conditions:
- They already had a valid work permit OR had one that was valid on May 7, 2024 (even if it expired later, they could restore their status and still apply).
- They were in Canada with legal status while applying.
- They had a letter of employment from their employer.
- They had a support letter from a participating province or territory.
- They were part of an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool or a similar program under the Provincial Nominee Program.
Which Provinces Participated?
Only three regions offered this opportunity:
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Yukon
How Did People Apply?
Applicants had to apply online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) secure account. Here’s how the process worked:
Step 1: Get Ready
- A scanner or camera was needed to upload documents.
- A valid credit or debit card for payment.
Step 2: Read the Instructions
Before filling out forms, applicants had to go through a guide explaining each section.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
The cost of this work permit included:
- Work permit fee: $155 CAD
- Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
- Restoration fee (if applicable): $239.75 CAD
Step 4: Create an Online Account
Applicants had to sign up for an IRCC account to submit their applications and track progress.
Step 5: Get the Right Document Checklist
Once they logged in, they answered some questions to receive a personalized checklist of required documents.
Step 6: Fill Out the Application Form
A key part of the application was selecting “Open Work Permit” and entering the correct province code:
- Alberta: ABEOI2024
- Manitoba: MBEOI2024
- Yukon: YKEOI2024
Step 7: Upload Documents
Applicants needed to submit:
- Passport copy
- Family Information form (IMM 5707)
- Digital photo
- Support letter from the province
- Current work permit (if applicable)
- Letter of employment from their employer
For documents that didn’t apply, they simply uploaded a page saying “Not Applicable.”
What Happened After Applying?
- If applicants only applied for an open work permit, they could keep working under the same conditions until a decision was made.
- If they also applied for restoration, they could stay in Canada but couldn’t work until the new permit was approved.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, this specific program is now closed. But it’s always good to stay updated on similar opportunities that might open in the future. If you want to be prepared, follow Ask Kubeir for the latest updates on work permits, PR programs, and other ways to move to Canada hassle-free!
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.