Most foreign nationals who want to come to Canada to work must have a legal permit called a Work Permit.

Most foreign nationals who want to come to Canada to work must have a legal permit called a Work Permit.

There are two types of work permits.

A: Limited work permits Close Work Permit

This type of work permit is dependent on the employer and is limited to a specific job. Most work permits are of this type. Labor Market Impact Assessments

B: Open Work Permit

This type of permit is issued under certain conditions and allows foreign nationals to work for any number of employers and in different locations. The biggest advantage of freelance work permits is that you do not need to have a job offer or a positive assessment of the LMIA job market. Allows switching between workplace, employer and any jobs. Freelance work permits are exempt from certain requirements for obtaining a work permit in Canada.

However, some freelance work permits may have additional requirements that must be met by foreign nationals. If available, these requirements will be reflected directly in your open work permit.

Who can apply for a freelance work permit?

If you fall into one of the following categories, you may be eligible for an open work permit:

- You are an international student who has graduated from a specific educational institution and is eligible for a work permit program after graduation.

You have applied for permanent residence in Canada under one of Canada's immigration programs.

- You are a dependent family member (for example, spouse or cohabiting partner) who has applied for permanent residence.

You are the spouse or legal partner of a skilled worker or international student.

- You have a temporary residence permit.

- Are you a refugee, asylum seeker, protected person or a member of their family?

- You are under an unenforceable deletion order.

- You are a young worker participating in a work holiday program.

- You are a student who is unable to pay tuition fees.

- You have a work permit for your employer and you will be abused or at risk of harassment while working in Canada.

Applicants for permanent residence in Canada BOWP

If you live in Canada, have an expiring work permit, and have applied for permanent residency through a federal or provincial economy class program, you and your spouse or cohabiting partner may be eligible for a work permit Note: BOWP is not available in Quebec , But there are alternative work permits in Quebec.