In this article, you will find:
- A description of how open work permits can be issued to foreign nationals with no other means of financial support
- The requirements for issuance of these open work permits
- The conditions and validity periods of these open work permits
In some cases, an open work permit will be issued to foreign nationals who are unable to financially support themselves. To obtain an open work permit under this category, applicants must prove:
- That they are a refugee claimant or subject to an unenforceable removal order and;
- That they need a work permit to financially support themselves and;
- That they are otherwise eligible for an open work permit.
An open permit under this category is exempt from the LMIA requirement.
In order to prove that they need a work permit to financially support themselves, applicants under this category must show that they cannot financially survive in Canada without public assistance. This level of poverty can be proven with bank statements or letters/cheque stubs from a social services office.
All applicants for an open work permit under this category must undergo a medical examination.
The length of a work permit under this rule will be 24 months. The permit can also be renewed for 12-month periods.
The open work permit will only remain valid for as long as the foreign national continues to prove that he/she is pursuing his/her refugee-related claim or appeal. Once the foreign national no longer has any legal recourse to stay in Canada, the open work permit will expire.
This rule does not apply to family members. Family members of an applicant with no other means of support must apply for a regular work permit and obtain a LMIA.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
